James Michael Henk, Sr.

James Michael Henk, Sr, 73, of Hampshire, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Jim was born August 31, 1949, in Elgin, the son of Laverne J. and Margene L. (Schmitendorf) Henk. Jim was a 1968 graduate of Dundee Community High School, and following graduation he worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Company. Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969, and completed basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, followed by technical training at Chanute AFB, Illinois. On November 28, 1970, he married Mary Ellen Dittman at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. They relocated to Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, and the following year Jim received orders to serve with the Aerospace Ground Equipment operations at RAF Lakenheath, England, as support for the 48th Fighter Wing. Jim was honorably discharged in September 1973, and the couple returned to the United States and made their home in Carpentersville. Jim loved being outdoors, soaking up the sun whenever he could and making memories with Mary. When the family moved to the Huntley area in 1986, Jim was often seen riding his mower around the yard, many times with a grandchild along for the ride. Jim retired from Illinois Bell/Ameritech in 1998, and operated his own communications business until 2008. In retirement, Jim especially treasured the time he spent on Nelson Lake in Hayward, Wisconsin. Nothing made him happier than sharing the Lakehouse with family and friends - fishing, cruising, and in the evening playing games around the table. Faith, family, and community were important to Jim. Serving as a worship aid and sharing his faith came naturally, and he would never miss the chance to tell the story of meeting Mary in Catechism, and how it was love at first sight. He was active throughout his life participating in baseball, basketball, track, and bowling. Attending school music and sports events with the family was always a priority. Jim was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren, always feeling blessed to be a family man. Taking an active role in his community, Jim served as a volunteer on the Carpentersville and Countryside FPD as a firefighter and EMT. His work with the Chamber of Commerce became a family event during Jamboree Days, and he took pride in being a member of the True Patriots Care organization, honoring our veterans and first responders. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 679, Dundee/Carpentersville, and he always held the greatest respect for those who served. Jim is survived by his wife Mary, his children Jennifer (Justin) Eadler of Huntley; Lisa (Bernhardt) van Wageningen of Hampshire; James (Amanda) Henk, Jr. of Carpentersville; and his brother, Gregory (Pamela) Henk, of Fox River Grove. He will be missed by his loving grandchildren Julia and Joshua Eadler; Matthew, Amalia, and Owen van Wageningen; and Ethan and Audrey Henk, as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Mary Kathryn in infancy, and a brother Thomas L. Henk in 1973. Visitation will be held at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church North Plato, 43W301 Plank Road, Hampshire, on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Funeral Services will be held at St. Peter's on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM with Pastor Thomas Eaves officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at the Hampshire Center Cemetery, Harmony Road. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Hampshire Fire Department, and True Patriots Care.