James G. Hendrickson

James Gordon Hendrickson, age 82 of Christine, ND, lost his battle with cancer on November 20, 2006, in Fargo, ND.Jim was born on the family farm on March 22, 1924 to Andrew and Ida Skarvold Hendrickson. He received his education at Pleasant Consolidated School, rural Walcott, ND and began farming at the age of seventeen after his father became ill. He spent all but the last year of his life on the farm he loved. On November 19, 1954, he married Marilyn K. Forness in Moorhead, MN. His interests included hunting and fishing, and in his later years, watching wildlife from the kitchen table or his lawn chair. As a young man, Jim sang tenor in a Barbershop Quartet. In church, he sang and loved the old time hymns, and since 1982, when he first became a grandfather, he called each of his grandchildren on their birthday and sang "The Happy Birthday Song" to them.Jim believed in the simple things in life and taught his children by setting a good example. He attended their basketball and baseball games while they were growing up and was supportive in all their endeavors. He loved being a grandpa and enjoyed weekends and holidays when the house was "full of family." His warm smile and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marilyn; daughter, Joni Kevin Kotts, Morris, MN; son Scott Machelle, Walcott, ND; eight grandchildren, Tara Miller, Woodbury, MN, Travis Miller, Wahpeton, ND, Tessa Miller and Hailey Kotts, Morris, MN, Samantha and Rylee Hendrickson and Danielle Kern, all of Walcott, ND, Malisa Kern, Christine, ND; and two great granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Morgan; sister-in-law, Doris Hendrickson, McLean, VA; and brother-in-law Ray Koenig, Bemidji, MN; and several nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by son Mark Lynn in 1974; his parents, sister, Marian Koenig; and four brothers, Harris, Melvin, Elroy and Arthur. What a joyous reunion in heaven.