James “Jim” L. Hensley, 89, of Marion, passed away at 12:40 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Marion. He was born on October 29, 1936, in Anderson, Indiana, to Frank and Velma (Farwick) Hensley. On June 12, 1955, he married the love of his life, Dorothy E. (Tubbs), who survives.
Jim graduated from Marion High School and continued his education at Ball State Teachers College, the National Camping School, Indiana University, Michigan State University, and Calvin College.
He devoted many years to Marion Community Schools as a teacher, principal, and counselor, serving at Roosevelt Township School, Franklin Elementary, Martin Boots Middle School, Adult Basic Education, Southeast Elementary, Clayton Brownlee Elementary, and both Tucker and McCulloch Middle Schools. Jim was a faithful member of Sunnycrest Community Church serving as a trustee, choir director and church historian.
He was involved in many professional and civic organizations including Ball State Alumni Association, Marion Community Schools Administrative Association, Phi Delta Kappa, Marion Easter Pageant, Marion Male Chorus, and Mississinewa Canoe Club.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim participated in the Wabash 100 canoe race and was a recipient of the Presidential Sports Award. His passion for writing led to published articles in Hoosier Schoolmaster, Teachers Under Cover Newsletter, Canoe Magazine, Indiana Media Journal, The Voyageur News, River, the Magazine of Moving Water, and Sagamore Signals.
Jim and Dorothy shared a love for travel, visiting numerous countries, all 50 states, more than 30 National Parks, and every Indiana State Park. At age 50, Jim set a personal goal to canoe every month for 10 years-a goal he surpassed by canoeing for 122 consecutive months. He was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed collecting memorabilia and received prestigious awards including Eagle Scout, God and Country, Order of Arrow, Cross and Flam and the Silver Beaver.
He was an avid reader whose favorite subjects included Gene Stratton-Porter, James Whitcomb Riley, John F. Kennedy, World War II history, and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy; daughters, Joi Stites and Judi (Joe) Ruley; grandchildren, Aaron (Sierra) Stites, Jared Stites, Jordan Stites, Rachel (Justin) Polsley, and Joseph Ruley; and great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Raegan, and Zona.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Homer and Velma Jewel Hensley, and his sister, Barbara J. Combs.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor Jim’s life.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Sunnycrest Community Church 1921 W. Bradford St., Marion, IN 46952 or to the Sagamore Council of the Scouts of America P.O. Box 865 Kokomo, IN 46901.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.
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