James Hedrick

Still waters run deep. The wisdom and humor everybody knew as Jim Hedrick passed away on November 24, 2013. He is now telling stories with God.

SON – James Eugene Hedrick was born on June 2, 1943 in Hot Springs, SD, the youngest of four children. His family taught him the value of hard work and the enjoyment of the outdoors. Later in his childhood when his mother re-married, he gained another brother. Jim graduated from high school in Newell, SD in 1961 and spent one semester at South Dakota State College in Brookings before beginning his life as a "real adult."

HUSBAND – On May 29th, 1963, Jim married the love of his life, Edna Englebert. They were blessed to be able to spend over 50 years together. Jim always said it was the best seven years of his life! Through those fifty years, they laughed, they cried, they grew together as a couple, and they enjoyed life. But most of all, they learned to love each other and everyone whose lives they touched. For most of his adult life, Jim was a parts manager for Ford dealerships in South Dakota. Retirement came early for Jim, as he became disabled in 1992 due to a work-related accident. He never lost his sense of humor though, and continued to catch everyone he knew off-guard with his seriousness in telling jokes and teasing.

FATHER – The Hedrick home grew to become a family of five. Jim and Edna were joined by son Dean (Casper, WY) in 1964; daughter Kimberly (Belle Fourche, SD) in 1968; and daughter Stacie (Gillette, WY) in 1971. People may know these kids though by their "more common" names: Bubby, Kimmy and Stac'. This family worked hard together, played even harder, fought like cats and dogs, and created a lifetime of love and memories. Jim always told everyone that his kids should have been named "Eeenie", "Meenie" and "Mynie"….because there wasn't going to be "no Mo'!" Jim gained another son though, when Kimmy grew up and married Alan Curl…guess there was "one Mo!"

GRANDFATHER – One of Jim's greatest joys was the arrival of grandchildren – seven of them to be exact. Matthew, Aby, Lacey, Chelsey, James, Shelby and Blake all have gotten to make their own special memories with "Bapa." And if grandchildren weren't enough joy…Jim was able to get to know three great-grandchildren – Aiden, Rylan and Kembri. Bapa was always the one to create chaos and enjoyment when it came to having the grandkids around. It was hard to tell who was having more fun.

FRIEND – Throughout his life, Jim has had great friends. He taught us all that in order to have great friends, you need to be a great friend. Although they are too numerous to mention, each of you know who you are. Rest assured that Jim's life was fuller because of you.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother (Norton) and his older brother Jerry. He is survived by his wife Edna, all three children and their families. In addition, he leaves behind a sister Dorothy (John) Fitterer of New Ulm, MN; a sister Donna (Robert) Jones of Newcastle, WY; a step-brother Bernard (JoAnne) Barber of Magnolia, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

As was typical of Jim, he requested that instead of having a funeral service, he would rather we all get together, "sit a spell" and tell stories. In keeping with Jim's wishes, we will be meeting at the Custer Lutheran Fellowship Hall in Custer, SD on Monday December 2nd at 11 am to "sit a spell" and reminisce. Please come as you are. A private family burial will be held at a later date and time. A memorial has been established to Patriot Hunts, which provides hunting experiences to our wounded warriors. Their website is www.patriothunts.org.

To share your memories of Jim or leave a special condolence message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.