James Isaac Hensley

James Isaac Hensley, Major, USAF (Retired) entered into eternal rest at the Tucson VA Hospital Hospice on September 27, 2011, two days before his 67th birthday. Lord, we ask You not why You took him away. We thank You for have given him to us.

Jim was born September 29, 1944 in Hutchinson, KS to Gilbert G. and Vesta R. (Ansel) Hensley. He graduated from Burrton, KS High School in 1962 and from Kansas State University in 1966. He served with distinction in USAF from June, 1967 until June, 1987. Jim served numerous tours of duty in SE Asia and flew many combat missions during the Vietnam War for which he was awarded numerous medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross with four oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with eleven oak leaf clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with five bronze service stars, AF Outstanding Unit Award with Valor Device with two oak leaf clusters, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device.

He is survived by his six children, Thomas Hensley (Michelle) of Lee's Summit, MO; Mary Hensley of Deadwood, SD; Carey Waltz of Marana, AZ; Timothy Hensley of San Diego, CA; Noel Hensley (Adam Kingery) of Tucson, AZ; Michael Hensley (Cori) of Tucson, AZ; his five beloved grandchildren, Tanner, Ty and Trey Waltz of Marana, AZ; Madelynn Kingery and Lily Hensley of Tucson, AZ; his brother, William R. Hensley (Marilyn), Lenexa, KS and two sisters, Patricia Hayes (Lance) of Kechi, KS, Paula Hoskinson (Phillip) of Burrton, KS. His parents predeceased him.

A Memorial Service in celebration of Jim's life will be held at EAST LAWN PALMS MORTUARY, 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2011.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Disabled American Veterans at 3455 S. Wilmot Rd., Tucson, AZ 85730.