Karl James "Jim" Hensley's Obituary
Jim was a 9 year Navy veteran and served on nuclear submarines. He served on the Robert E. Lee, the Abraham Lincoln and the Lewis & Clark. He spoke often of the camaraderie of being on a submarine and part of that history was he could play any kind of card or board game.
His main joy in life came from his many hours on the lake bass fishing – he could cast and reel all day long and never tire of that activity.
He left this world on the afternoon of July 20, 2015 after a courageous battle with lung cancer which he has been fighting for over a year. He is probably already on the lake wetting a lure.
For work he was a communications expert and enjoyed this work immensely. He always said an inanimate object was not going to win – he was going to solve the problem.
For anyone that knew him under the rough exterior lived a very gentle and caring soul, a big softie.
He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara, his brothers, Al and Ricky and their spouses Diana and Wanda, respectively. He also has left behind a nephew, Matthew and spouse Cammy and two nieces, Sarah and Connie and her husband, Scott and his cousin Steve and his wife, Sherry, and their children Sarah and Seth.
There will be a viewing beginning at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015 following by a brief memorial service beginning at 3 p.m., after which he will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, if you would prefer to make a donation to Heart to Heart Hospice located at 100 W. Hawkins Parkway, Suite A, Longview, Texas 75605 this would be much appreciated because they took such great care of Jim during this very difficult trip. Special thanks to LaShonda his aide who cared so much about him and Nurse Robin who was always there to guide the caregivers. Also Mary and Janet and Victor who sat with him each day and made sure he did not want for anything including a drink and a backscratch.
What’s your fondest memory of Karl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Karl?
Share a story where Karl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Karl you’ll never forget.
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