Jimmie C. Hendricks' Obituary
Jimmie Hendricks was born in Stockton MO and passed away in Bonita, CA April 1, 2015.Jimmie grew up in Stockton Mo. When he was a boy he became fascinated by aviation. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and was discharged in June, 1946 as a Seaman 1st class. He graduated from the University of Missouri in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.On June 3, 1949 he began his 34 yr career in Naval Aviation. October 25, 1950 he received his wings and was officially a naval aviator. During the Korean war he was stationed in Japan and ferried planes from Japan to Korea. He was discharged in 1962.Jimmie was never much of a pencil pusher. He could have done anything, he was offered a job at the IRS, but he chose to follow his passion. He went to work at NARF at North Island Navel Air Station. He started as an apprentice Aircraft electrician and worked his way up to a Quality Assurance Specialist.Dad/Jimmie was passionate about his flying and did continue to fly small prop planes with friends. Although he had began golfing as a younger man, in the 1960’s golf became his new passion. He was a member of golf clubs at many local golf courses and served as treasurer and secretary over the years. Liz, who out ranked him in the United States Navy would joke about being a golf widow. (Jim also liked to joke that he was just a sailor, Elizabeth Hendricks, his wife, out ranked him since she was a Commander). When he wasn’t playing golf he was watching golf on TV and reading books about golf or at the driving range.He retired in 1982 to make golf a full time career. He played up to four days a week. He traveled to play at different courses with friends from out of town. His highlight, other than playing golf in Scotland during his military service, was playing the golf at the Yosemite golf course in the California Sierras.Jim’s family vacations were spent at National Parks. He wasn’t into “pretentious” vacations—no resorts, cruises, etc. The Hendricks’ family spent their time in National Parks, Historical American Landmarks or with relatives in the midwest, Monterey, CA or Grants Pass, OR. Jimmie’s children are so grateful for this experience. It enriched their lives in so many ways. Jennifer and Marks favorite trip was of corse Yellow Stone.Jimmie also had two children from his previous marriage Laura Lee Woodruff and Daniel “Danny” Clinchard. Both would visit his home in Impeiral Beach and later in South San Diego.For serving his country for about 40 years he was able to spend his final years at Villa Bonita. One of the best assisted living facilities in the country. He enjoyed wonderful food cooked by their chef, dances, concerts and field trips. He enjoyed the company of other retired pilots, he was very popular, (especially w/ the ladies) with both residents and the staff. He placed high for his dancing skills at two talent contests. Family and friends visited often. He enjoyed dining at El Patio, a traditional mexican restaurant in Chula Vista.El Patio made the best chile rellenos in San Diego. (per the Hendricks’). He also loved Hanaoka, a Japanese restaurant in National City. Our family dined there for years. He even taught a few waitresses golf. The employees at Hanaoka were all from Japan—even the dishwashers. He enjoyed speaking Japanese to them.About a week before his passing he was taken to a dance in a wheel chair. He rose to the occasion and danced with a beautiful girl. That weekend Jennifer, Mark and Ruth Jones (long time friend of the family) visited Jim. He was in good spirits, laughing. He passed the following Wednesday week April 1, 2015.
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