Fr. Jim Henning Obituary (1952 - 2021)

Fr. Jim Henning OFM Conv. died on December 30, 2021, at Accolade Healthcare of Pontiac in Pontiac, IL after an extended illness. Fr. Jim was born on September 25, 1952, on the far Northwest Side of Chicago. He was the fourth child of the late Walter and Elizabeth Henning. He had 3 brothers (Patrick, Timothy and the late Michael) and 1 sister (the late Rita Sturgis). He was raised in St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, receiving his sacraments there and graduating from the parish elementary school. After graduating from Steinmetz Public High School, he attended Wilbur Wright Jr. College. While in college he was hired by UPS, where he worked the early morning shift for five and a half years. He graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. Upon graduation, he decided it would be now or never to test the waters of a vocation to the priesthood. Fr. Jim joined the Conventual Franciscans as a postulant in 1976. He professed first vows in 1978 and solemn vows in 1981. He began his theological studies at Chicago Theological Union, transferring after one year to the Conventual Franciscan Seminary of St. Anthony-on-Hudson in Rensselaer, NY. After completing his theological studies, he was ordained a priest on June 4, 1982, by Bishop Arthur J. O'Niell, Bishop of Rockford, IL. During his many years of service to God's people, Fr. Jim ministered in the following locations: Holy Family Catholic Church, Peoria, IL; Basilica of St. Josaphat, Milwaukee, WI; Good Counsel High School/Felician Sisters Mother House, Chicago, IL; St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Detroit, MI (Pastor); St. Roch Catholic Church, Flat Rock, MI (Administrator); SS. John and Paul Catholic Church, Washington, MI (Administrator); St. Genevieve Catholic Church, Chicago, IL; St. Joseph Home, Lake Zurich, IL (Chaplain); Conventual Franciscan Mission Office; Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Detroit, MI (Pastor). In 2006, Fr. Jim was appointed Pastor of St. John the Baptist, Sacred Heart, and St. John the Evangelist churches in central Illinois. Fr. Jim faithfully and lovingly served these communities until health issues necessitated his retirement a few months ago. In addition to his love of ministry, Fr. Jim was an ardent Chicago sports fan, especially of the Cubs. He enjoyed some theater and even performed in several plays. Fr. Jim will be remembered by his Franciscan brothers for his lively humor, his dedication to service, and his refusal to ever accept an answer that he considered simplistic or obfuscatory. Visitation will be from 4pm-6pm followed by a Franciscan Wake Service on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 612 N. Plum St., Farmer City, IL 61842. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11am on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 502 N. Monroe St., Clinton, IL 61727 followed by interment at St. Joseph Cemetery, 26071 Townsend Rd., Farmer City, IL 61842. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to Conventual Franciscan Friars of Marytown, Chapel Preservation 1600 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, IL 60048