Obituary: James A. McHenry

James A. McHenry, 81, passed away on July 16, 2009, in Prescott, Ariz.

He was born June 30, 1928, in Tucson, Ariz., to Nadine and Albert McHenry.

He was a proud graduate of Tucson High and the University of Arizona with a degree in mechanical engineering, which he put to good use throughout his whole life. Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army with the 7th Armored Tank (Calvary) Division. While not seeing action, Jim did serve his country well in the training of troops at Camp Roberts, Fort Ord and Fort Knox. After his military service he worked in Albuquerque, N.M., for ACF, overseeing the making of precision machine parts. He then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he went to work at Motorola in the Government Electronics Division as a design and production engineer and where he was respected as a very creative problem solver. After retiring from "Mother Motorola," Jim moved to the Spring Valley area near Mayer, Ariz., with his wife of 43 years, and became active in various community projects. He served his community as a volunteer for the Big Bug Creek Development Association and helped others in the area who needed transportation. Jim was also involved with the Boy Scouts of America as an assistant scoutmaster when his sons were in scouting.

Jim's one passion (other than his wife, Louise) was flying. He had several small airplanes over the years and loved being in the clouds flying here and there for breakfast or coffee.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife, Louise. Jim is survived by his sister, Sally (Millard) of Yellow Springs, Ohio; sons Robert (Susan) of Columbia, Tenn., and Steven (Laura) of Albuquerque, N.M.; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Everyone who knew Jim loved him dearly and he will be missed by all.

Cremation has taken place.

A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2009, at Shepherd of the Hills Church (UCC), 5424 E. Lafayettte Blvd., Phoenix, Ariz.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the charity of your choice.

Please visit James' guestbook at www.ruffnerwakelin.com.

Information provided by survivors.


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