Cover photo for James Norbert Hendrick, Sr's Obituary
James Norbert Hendrick, Sr Profile Photo
1934 James 2017

James Norbert Hendrick, Sr

July 26, 1934 — June 16, 2017

James N. Hendrick, Sr. Lakeland - James N. Hendrick Sr. passed away in the early morning June 16th, 2017 surrounded by family and friends. Jim was born in Detroit on July 26, 1934 to the late John and Geraldine (Cowdrey) Hendrick. Jim started his career at the very young age of 13 as a Bat Boy for the Detroit Tigers and in the same year discovered his passion for being behind the microphone as he assisted in calling a Gold Cup race on the Detroit River. This started a 50 year journey traveling across the country doing what he loved to do, entertaining the people. People listened to Jim as a DJ with WBRB Sports, a play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Pistons, on ABC Wide World of Sports, ESPN, Speed Week, and Diamond P Sports. He was the President and Voice of the Unlimited Radio Network for 50 years and founded the Tiger Topics radio show covering the Detroit Tigers Spring training for over 5 decades. Jim was inducted into the Unlimited Hall of Fame honoring his contributions to Hydroplane boat racing where his first found his voice and was voted as a lifetime member of the Detroit Broadcasters Association. He was an accomplished musician, performer and recording artist, played 9 different instruments, and cut a record as a member of The Four Scores quartet. He finally settled down in 2005 at WONN Radio in Lakeland Florida where he continued to captivate his audience as the host of the Morning Show and the Tuesday night shows. Jim is survived by his three children Denise Fontana, Jim Jr. (Julie) Hendrick and Chad Hendrick, Grandchildren Christopher Fontana, Cassandra Fontana, Courtney Fontana, Carrie (Jim) Moryan, Justin (Heather) Hendrick, Ryan Hendrick, Desiree’ (Brad) Walker and Jack Henry Hendrick, siblings Jack (Nancy) Hendrick, Judy Hendrick and Janice Hendrick, step-children Bobby Thompson and Cindy Madeira, step-grandchildren Ashley Lee and Trevor Lee and their father Brian Lee, seven Great Grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Granddaughter Evelyn Hendrick, Great Granddaughter Aliyah D’oro, brother Joe Hendrick and Step-Daughter Tina Lee. Services will be held on Thursday June 22 from 5-7pm at Heath Funeral Chapel 328 S. Ingraham Avenue Lakeland FL 33801 in the Tribute Center. A funeral mass will be held on Friday June 23 at 10:30am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church 501 E. Carter Rd. Lakeland FL 33813. Special thanks to the staff at Lakeland Regional Hospital, Oak Bridge Rehab Center and Valencia Hills Rehab Center for their excellent care. We have sincere appreciation for the loyalty of dear friend Miss Betty and the listeners and family at WONN Radio for allowing Jim to continue doing what he loved to do, entertaining all of us.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, June 22, 2017

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Heath Funeral Chapel - Tribute Center

328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801

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Service

Friday, June 23, 2017

Starts at 10:30 am (Eastern time)

St. John Neumann Catholic Church

501 East Carter Road, Lakeland, FL 33813

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