James Odell Henrickson

James Odell Henrickson was the oldest of 8 children born to Clarence and Lucille on January 20, 1932. He grew up in the small town of Madison, Minnesota, where he excelled in sports at Madison High School. Jim, as he was known to his friends, joined the United States Army and played baseball for them before shipping to Korea during the war where he obtained the rank of sergeant. Honorably discharged in 1959, he returned to California where he got a job in a steel mill. In 1961, Jim moved to Arizona where he resided for the rest of his life. He married Ruth Smith in 1961 and became the father of two children. Although their marriage ended, they remained friends and were completely devoted to their children. He would often say becoming a father was the best thing that ever happened to him. Jim eventually traded his baseball bat for golf clubs and enjoyed golfing at every opportunity. Family was very important to James and every vacation was spent traveling with family or reconnecting with his siblings. He spent a good portion of his life working in the steel industry until he finally retired in 2013 at the age of 81. James had a life surrounded by family and friends and had the unique ability of striking up a conversation with a stranger and easily making new friends wherever he went. He is survived by his son David (Nancy), his daughter Linda, his brother Dean, his sisters Lois, Deanna, and Mary, and his life-long friend Sue. A private memorial service will be held. Please contact family members for more information.