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Dr. James L. Hendrix

Dr. James L. Hendrix, 82, of Greenwood, NE, passed away on August 30, 2025, in Omaha. He was born on July 19, 1943, in Omaha to Lauris F. and June (Lukehart) Hendrix of Louisville, NE.

Jim grew up in Louisville, where he formed a deep love of learning and the outdoors, values that shaped both his professional life and his personal passions. He married the love of his life, Judy (Trutna) Hendrix, on September 3, 1965, and together they built a family grounded in laughter, loyalty, and faith. Their marriage, approaching 60 years, was a testament to partnership through life's challenges and tremendous joys.

Professional Life and Legacy

Dr. Hendrix devoted his career to mining engineering, where his teaching, research, and leadership left a lasting mark. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in chemical engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and began his career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he served as professor, department chair, and eventually Dean of the Mackay School of Mines. In 1995, he returned to Nebraska as Dean of the College of Engineering at UNL and UNO, where he later continued teaching and research until his retirement in 2017. Even after retiring, he remained active as a consultant, sharing his expertise with colleagues and industry leaders.

Through these roles, Dr. Hendrix helped shape engineering programs in Nebraska, Nevada, and abroad in Turkey. His sabbatical in Norway and years in Turkey enriched his outlook and led to lifelong friendships. While based in Norway, he, Judy, and their daughters took every opportunity to explore, traveling by car and train through much of Europe. Over the course of his life, Jim visited at least 17 countries, all 50 states, and all but three counties in Nebraska — a reflection of his love of travel, his curiosity, and his eagerness for both planned and unplanned adventures.  He was honored with the Nevada Mineral Processing Division's Lifetime Achievement Award, recognition of his contributions to research and education in gold hydrometallurgy and beyond.

Known for building bridges between academia and industry, he and Judy also hosted "Town and Gown" gatherings in Reno, welcoming professors, students, and business leaders into their home for conversation and collaboration. His humor and storytelling — whether from the classroom, mine tours, or international adventures — were legendary. One of his favorite tales was how, on a visit to mines in Bulgaria, he was unexpectedly asked to meet the country's President. Dressed in jeans and tennis shoes, Jim charmed him so thoroughly that brandy was poured and stories flowed for over an hour; each time Jim returned, the President asked for him by name.

What colleagues, students, and friends remember most is not just his professional stature but his patience, wit, and humanity. He had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued. Many considered him their favorite professor, and the stories pouring in since his passing continue to affirm how deeply he was admired. His absence is not only a loss to his family, but to the countless people around the world whose lives he touched.

Community and Family

Jim believed deeply in community and connection. For about 15 years, he and Judy welcomed students and friends to the family's Coloma, CA property, where rafting trips, campfire storytelling, spirited volleyball games, and morning coffee groups became beloved traditions.

Family traditions were just as important. For four decades, the Hendrix family returned nearly every year to Irish Beach, CA, where Jim loved exploring tidal pools and, with patient determination, trying (unsuccessfully but joyfully) to dam up the streams. At home, he could often be found with a Monopoly board in progress, or gathered around cards and dominoes with family. His homemade pizza was a rare but special treat.

Music, sports, and nature filled his life. He enjoyed an eclectic mix of music, from Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton to Bocelli and Pavarotti, often tuning in to Austin City Limits on Sunday nights. He was a devoted sports fan, holding Nebraska Cornhuskers season tickets for decades and cheering for the Oakland A's whenever he could, either at a live game, televised, or by radio. On fall Saturdays, if the Huskers were losing, it was time to pull weeds or water the trees.

He was also an avid runner until his ankles no longer allowed, after which he faithfully walked 10,000–25,000 steps a day, right up until two weeks before his passing. He delighted in the outdoors, sitting with Judy over coffee or tea to watch birds and migrating geese, and tending what he called his "collection of live trees" — including a Sequoia in Reno still visible on Google Earth.

More than anything, Jim valued time with his family. He attended his grandchildren's events, offered advice when called upon, and conveyed his care with unexpected phone calls just to check in. Two weeks before entering the hospital, he was on the floor playing with his great-granddaughter. His love extended beyond bloodlines, embracing sons-in-law, students, and friends as family. He was always there when needed, and he will be remembered for his wisdom, humor, patience, and steady presence.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Judy; daughters Jennifer (Mike) Schied and Jessica (Ezra) Berkenwald; grandchildren Nathan (Alyce Jordan) Schied, Lily Schied, Noah (Amara Lindsey) Berkenwald, and David Berkenwald; great-granddaughter Jordyn Schied; sister Carolyn McKay; and great-niece Sheila (JD) Farris. He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew James K. McKay.

Services

A funeral service will be held on September 13, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elmwood, NE. A Celebration of Life will also be held Sunday, Oct 12, from 11 am - 2 pm at the W.M. Keck Museum in Reno, NV.

Memorials

In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that memorials be sent to the family to establish scholarships in his name at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nevada–Reno for engineering students, or that a tree be planted in his memory — a tribute he would have treasured more than bouquets.

Arrangements under the direction of Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home, Louisville, NE.  For inquires, please call 402-234-3985