Neil James Henrich

Neil James Henrich, 91 of Tucson, AZ passed away at The Fountains Assisted Living Home, Tucson with his daughter and stepdaughter by his side. Jim was born on September 19, 1930 in Boston, MA the son of the late Athol Fire Chief George V. Henrich and Edith (Jillson) Henrich.

Jim attended schools in Athol, MA., graduating from AHS in 1948. Jim lettered in baseball and basketball (co-captain) and majored in social activities. Jim went to work at the L.S. Starrett Company, enrolling in the apprentice toolmaker course. His employment was interrupted when Jim enlisted in the USAF. Stationed in Germany, a mechanic in the motor pool, Air Force Sergeant Henrich participated in the Berlin Airlift. Returning home Jim completed Starrett’s toolmaker and sales courses. He was then assigned the west coast sales territory. It was in California when he met and married his wife, June (Searcy). A few years later Jim was called back to Starrett’s home office to become Assistant Export Manager. During this time Jim enrolled in classes at Clark University, Language Department. With the university’s tutelage and ‘trial by fire’ Jim spoke 6 languages and 2 dialects of Spanish.

As International Sales Director Jim traveled to destinations world-wide representing the L.S. Starrett Co. The Henrich household would receive beautiful matted global wall maps with a box of multi-colored pushpins from Trans World Airlines (TWA) to follow his travels. For years, Jim was one of TWA’s top ten international passengers. Dad would tour every new destination, taking photos that became slide show presentations for the schools back home. During the early years global tele-communications was not established. He overcame that with a system of ham radio operators and the telephone, Dad’s calls home were treasured. Dad’s travels over the years brought many adventures, some quite harrowing, but it was always a good day when his flight touched down at Logan International Airport.

When back home, business associates from around the globe joined the family at our dinner table, enriching our lives with stories of their families and cultures. Jim’s international travels ended when he took on a regional sales manager position with Starrett’s. Jim and his wife Shirley (Anzaldi) moved to the mid-west, eventually settling in Forest Lake, MN. Retiring in 1993, Jim and Shirley made their retirement home in Tucson, AZ.

As an avid outdoorsman; fishing, hunting, camping, boating, snow skiing and golf were reasons to pack up and head out the door. Whether a day trip or cross country there was always fun and laughter. It was his penchant for fun that truly came out in Grandpa Jim. Visits from Grandpa Jim and Grandma Shirley were the best. Over the years Grandpa Jim was always his grandkid’s buddy, trusted companion and confidant. Their bond was a strong one, Grandpa will be missed.

Jim was a decades long Friend of Bill’s. We will always be grateful to those of you who came to support our family these past few months. Your compassion and willingness to help has been a blessing.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 20 years June Mary Lynn (Searcy) Henrich and Shirley Ann (Thompson) (Anzaldi) Henrich, his wife of 36 years. Jim is survived by his sons Floyd Henrich (Hampton, NH), George Henrich and his wife, Faye (Parsonsfield, ME & Kingsland, GA) and daughter Terri Lynn (Henrich) and her husband Rich Garcia (Corona, CA), stepdaughter Pamela Anzaldi and her husband Cliff Smith (Lunenburg, MA), stepson Wayne Anzaldi and his wife Tracy (Packard Heights, MA) and stepson Kent Anzaldi and his wife Mandy (St. Paul, MN). Grandpa Jim is survived by his 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Jim was cherished by his extended family and friends in Tucson and around the globe, in turn he cherished us all.

A Mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1800 N Camino Pio Decimo, Tucson, AZ on September 24, 2022 at 10:00 AM. There will be a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend.

Burial will be at the Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol, MA. The services and burial in Athol will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make your donations to: Community Food Bank, 3003 S Country Club Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85713