James L. Hensley

James L. Hensley, 72, of Highland, IL died Friday, April 24, 2020 at his home, with his family by his side.

James was born September 26, 1947, to William and Mary (nee Leist) Hensley in Vienna, IL.  In July 1984, he married Nikki Dimoff, in Paducah, KY.

James served in the Navy after high school, and spent two tours on the USS Shangri-La aircraft carrier.  He later became an Illinois State Police officer.   He enjoyed a variety of different business ventures before finally retiring from AT&T.   James loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Nikki Hensley, Highland, IL; children, Sean (Jamie) Hensley, Columbus, OH, Kirk (Amy) Hensley, Chicago, IL, Tiffany (Kurt) Gawedzinski, Lake St. Louis, MO; stepson, Darren Carey, Glen Arm, IL; grandchildren, Samantha, Jacob, Jackson, Sydney, Joshua, Caleb, Evelyn and Kaytlyn; great grandchild, Natalie; sisters, Judith Hayden, Vienna, IL and Jennifer Dunbar, Marion, IL; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Hensley; stepson, James Carey; brother, Joseph Hensley.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.