James L. Henneman, Sr.

James L. Henneman, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at the age of 95.

He was born on June 19, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Walter and Bertha Henneman. The last of four children, he was a lover of music, hockey, and a special girl named Ruth Lawrence. Sweethearts since Kindergarten, Jim and Ruth were married on May 20, 1950. Together they built a life rooted in commitment to faith and family.

While living in Chicago, Jim worked as an engineer for the Chicago Northwestern Railroad to support his wife and three children. He was active in church, serving several years on Zion Evangelical and Reformed's church council. He continued his love of music and faithfully played his trumpet. His family always came first and time spent together was treasured.

After he and his family moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois in 1959 he worked as a policeman, car salesman and in menswear retail. Ultimately, he returned to the railroad where he finished out his working days and retired in 1992.

Jim and Ruth's move to Florida gave him the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of enjoying life to the fullest. He was very involved in his church's drama program, woodworking in his garage, playing his trumpet and the electric organ, planning neighborhood parties and celebrations, and living large. They returned to Illinois in 2020 to be closer to family and then moved to Serenity Spring in Sister Bay last February.

Jim is survived by his wife, Ruth, and his three children, Diane Ludwigsen (John) of Ellison Bay, James Henneman, Jr. (Janet) of Crystal Lake, Illinois and John Henneman (Christie) of South Jordan, Utah. He was a proud grandfather to Jennefer Folsom, Amy Mueller, Lauren Henneman, Jillian Rodriguez, and John Henneman, Jr. , and a cherished great-grandfather to Leroy Folsom, Jaylen and Remi Rodriquez, and Jane and Andrew Mueller.

He will be laid to rest at Mt. Emblem Cemetery, in Elmhurst, Illinois on December 30th. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cycling Without Age Door County, an organization that reflects Jim's appreciation for nature, meaningful connection and time well spent. He was easily one of CWADC's most frequent passengers.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Unity Hospice, Casperson Funeral Home and the staff at Mt. Emblem Cemetery for their compassion and care in making Jim's transition meaningful and dignified.

Casperson Funeral Home of Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Jim may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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