James "Jimmy" Hedrick

James Hedrick, 81, of Ottawa passed away Friday, October 3, 2014 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, October 6, 2014 at St. Mary's Church in Utica with Msgr. James Swaner officiating. Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 am Monday, October 6, 2014 prior to Mass at St. Mary's Church Utica. He will be buried in St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa. James was born May 29, 1933 in Ottawa, Illinois to Lawson and Dorothy (Albee) Hedrick. He married Rita Aubry June 11, 1955 in St. Mary's Church in Utica. He served in the United States Army in the Signal Corp. He taught the electrician apprentice program for Local 176 in Joliet and retired from Halm Electric. He enjoyed working in his woodshop building things for his friends and family. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in Naplate, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita; two daughters, Judy (Phil) Brandow of Ottawa and Jane (Ed) Skolek of Utica; four grandchildren, Jared Brandow, Carlie Brandow, Emily (Joe) Klumb, and Justin Skolek; one great granddaughter, Delainey Brandow; one sister, Sharon Lueke; and two brothers, Terry O'Connor and Roger (Edie) Hedrick. He is preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Phil Brandow, Ed Skolek, Jared Brandow, Carlie Brandow, Justin Skolek, and Emily Klumb. Memorials may be directed to the family or donor's choice.