William James Hendren

Mr. William James "Jim" Hendren, 87, of Statesville, passed away Friday, November 11, 2016, at Wilkes Regional Medical Center. He was born in Alexander County on April 18, 1929, and was the son of the late William Clay and Lillie Odell Fox Hendren. He attended Hiddenite High School and on March 18, 1946, he started his career serving his country in the U.S. Army and after 25 years of service he retired as a Master Sergeant. During his military service, he received a Purple Heart along with many other service medals. He also worked for the NC Dept. of Corrections. He was devoted to his time to helping and serving other veterans. He served as Post Commander with the VFW Post 2031 for seven years, state commander of the NC VFW in 1992 and 1993 as well as going to Raleigh and Washington DC to fight for veteran's rights and benefits. He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Troutman. He was also a member of DAV Post 68, American Legion Post 65, Amvet Post 500, and Masonic Lodge #27. He received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Governor Jim Hunt. Jim loved the outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, play golf, play bingo and gardening. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Hendren. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 46 years, Erika Laubner Hendren of the home, a son, Jeff Hendren (Connie) of Catawba, and a daughter, Marsha H. Null of Statesville. He is also survived by a granddaughter, Stephanie Davis (Josh) of Bethlehem and a grandson, Justin Hendren (Amber) of Catawba. Two great-grandsons, Jacob and Jayden Davis, sister-in-law Betty Sue Hendren along with sisters-in-law and a number nieces and nephews from Germany. Funeral services for Jim Hendren will be conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 15, 2016, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Stephen Shytle officiating. The family will visit with friends from 12:30 until 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will follow in Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery. VFW Post 2031 will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers memorial may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517

Topeka, Kansas 66675. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Jim Hendren.