James Hendry

Obituary - James J. Hendry, August 6, 1934 - April 16, 2015, South Portland In high school, his classmates called him Happy. In college (Boston University), they called him Tiny. To his wife, Caroline, he was Mr. Hendry, and he was always Papa to his grandchildren. Along with his many aliases, Jims employment resume was impressive: construction worker, grammar school teacher, metal spinner, Tom Thumb Superette manager, district manager for a national brewery, seller of burlap bags, silk screen printer, sporting goods salesman, sports equipment conditioner, BB innkeeper, owner/operator White Glove Cleaning Service, and sales associate at Gritty McDuffs Brewtique. As he waded through the boom and bust economy of the 20th century, Jim did everything and anything to provide food and shelter for his family. Jim and Caroline had four children: Christopher, Mark, Susan and Paul. They were blessed with six grandchildren: Alayna, Olivia, Fiona, Sophia, Emma and Sabrina. Jim said it was his fate to have all granddaughters because he was such a macho guy himself. Jim thoroughly enjoyed, but was a little frustrated with, his customized lobster boat christened Trout Fishing in America. Jim at the helm, it sailed forth from South Freeport Harbor, propelled by a 350 Chevy engine with four on the floor, stripping rubber on the Harraseeket River. Along with boating, he adored his little pug, Ralph Waldo Emerson, who sometimes helped him steer his pick-up truck. The Hendrys lived in South Freeport for 31 years. The last fourteen years of their married life they found a home in South Portland. Jim was a big guy- 6 foot 6 in his prime-who loved to joke and kibitz. He served on the South Portland Civil Service Commission with great enthusiasm and respect for the men and women he met during testing sessions. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, seeing action during the Korean War. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his daughter-in-law Gwen and Lynn, brother Francis and his wife Kay, sisters-in-law Helen and Joyce, son-in-law Steve, his Church, his Navy Days, and his many friends. He also had a high regard for Shipyard Brewerys Old Thumper. Rest in peace, Jim Hendry. We will mis you terribly. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on June 13, 2015 at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland at 11:30 AM. A reception will follow at St Bartholomews Parish Hall, 8 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth. Arrangements are under the direction of Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, ME. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ctcrawford.com In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the South Portland Police Department Community Fund, c/o Evergreen Credit Union, 799 Broadway, South Portland, Maine 04106.