James L. Henrichs

James Laverne Henrichs, 78, of Auburn, left us peacefully on December 8, surrounded by family. A beloved father, grandfather and friend, Jim will always be remembered for his love of Auburn sports, sarcasm, and always wanting to put a smile on your face.

Born on May 14, 1946, in Auburn, Jim grew up as one of six boys to Betty and Laverne Henrichs. Jim spent much of his childhood playing sports, legion baseball being his preferred pastime. In fact, center field of the Auburn legion ball field was his favorite place to be. His love for this organization resounded till the end. You could always find him at the ball field, cheering on the hometown boys.

Jim graduated from Auburn High School in 1964. He married Lorry Kruger and together had one daughter, Staci. He later divorced and married Janice Henning in 1976. Together, they had three children, Matthew, Alicia and Jamie. They later divorced.

Jim began his career as a produce manager in Auburn at Hinky Dinky, and climbed to department manager for No Frills Supermarkets in Bellevue and Cedar Rapids, IA. He led a successful career where he won several awards and received numerous recognitions. His career came to a sudden end when he was hit head on by a drunk driver, coming home from his son’s basketball game in December 1994. This near fatal accident led to months and months of recovery. Thankfully, he was able to walk again and return home to Auburn.

Jim will always be known for wearing a bright smile, sarcastic humor and jokes to put a smile on anyone and everyone’s face, supporting the Auburn Bulldogs in all sports, helping others and enjoying his home town. Mostly, he will be known for being a very proud parent and grandfather. He never missed a family gathering nor a grandchild’s birthday party. Whenever he visited his grandchildren, he always had a little toy or their favorite candy to give to them.

 Jim will also be known as stubborn, strong but most importantly, as a fighter. He was diagnosed two years ago with stage 4 cancer. As the doctor was informing him of his options, which started with chemo treatment, he didn’t even let the doctor finish his sentence. He chimed in and said yes. He wanted to start treatment immediately because he wanted to live. He endured the fight through 36 chemo treatments and 2 radiation sessions over two years to live longer and continue enjoying life. He fought till the very end.

 Jim is survived by his children and grandchildren Matt Henrichs (Kennedi, Lauren, Liliana) of Lincoln, Alicia Henrichs (Addessa Grace-Lincoln), Jamie Henrichs (Omaha), and Staci Edgington (Joe/Kylie, Austin-Seward), brothers Gary (CA), Dennis (Auburn) and Roger (Columbus) Henrichs, many nieces and nephews, family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ron and Burl, sister-in-law Cindy, and two nephews.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion in Auburn, NE on December 21 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm. Join his family and friends in sharing stories and wonderful memories of Jim. In lieu of flowers, Jim requested any donations be made to Nebraska Hematology Oncology and/or the Auburn American Legion Baseball organization.

“The staff of Nebraska Hematology Oncology became like family and did their best to prolong our father’s life. The care he received from the entire staff was extraordinary and second to none, and we will be forever grateful. We also want to thank Bernida from Traditions Hospice for always being there for every single call, day or night or weekend. She worked very long hours and extra days to be able to ensure our dad’s comfort.” – With love, his children