James Edwin Henning

A service will be held at Sunnybrook Community Church on Wednesday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to a luncheon, where the family will be present to greet guests. After lunch, the family will gather at the Henning Ranch and welcome anyone who would like to join them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Sunnybrook Community Church, with funds designated for biblical education outreach.

James Edwin Henning was born on August 9, 1950, at the hospital in Hull, Iowa, to Robert and Effie (Burggraaff) Henning of Boyden, Iowa. Jim was the youngest of four sons born to Robert and Effie.

He attended Boyden-Hull Community School, graduating in 1968. In 1969, he completed lineman school at Northwest Community College in Sheldon, and in 1971, he earned his associate degree from Worthington State Junior College.

Early in his career, Jim worked in a variety of industries. He was employed at Farmers Feed and Supply in warehousing and transportation, Henning Distributing (a bakery and supply business), and in construction. He also held industrial jobs, including working as a meat cutter and beef lugger at Wilson Packing in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and at Banner Beef in Hospers, Iowa. In addition, he spent time farming in Sheldon, Iowa, and Madison, South Dakota.

Jim concluded his career with 32 years of service with the US Department of Agriculture, AMS, working in meat grading. He spent most of his time working out of the IBP/Tyson plant in Dakota City, Nebraska.

On May 3, 1980, Jim united in marriage to DeAnna Porter in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. From this union, they were blessed with four children.

Jim is survived by his wife, DeAnna, and their children:

•      - Jake (Diana) and their sons Ethan (Carlee), Josh, and Dane, of West Richland, Washington. Ethan and Carlee are the parents of Jim’s great-granddaughter, Oakley.
•      - Calla (Tyler) Kleene and their daughter, Porter and son, Cooper of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
•      - Case (Whitney) and their sons Marcus and Matthew of Aurora, Colorado.
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He is also survived by his brother, Len (Pat) Henning of Kingsburg, California, and many nieces, nephews, and some truly great friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Rudy and Robert; and his son, Travis.

Jim was an active member of Sunnybrook Community Church and faithfully raised his family to know the Word of God. He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his steadfast faith in Christ. His children often joked that they knew what it meant to “fear the Lord” because they first feared their dad. His children credit him with instilling faith-based responsibility and determination in their lives.

Jim will also be remembered for his humor and adventurous spirit. His first run-in with law enforcement came at just five years old, when he hopped on his tricycle and pedaled down Highway 18 to visit the Burggraaff farm—prompting a line of annoyed motorists and one state trooper who cited the young outlaw for doing 68 MPH under the limit. He was promptly transported back home and held under house arrest until bedtime. At age 71, while out with his grandsons, Jim “laid down” a motorcycle and somehow walked away with nothing more than road rash and an incredible story the family will retell for years to come.

What Jim loved most was having his grandchildren and friends over to the Henning Ranch—whether they were throwing tomahawks, riding in the gator around the property, or sitting by a fire swapping childhood stories. Those moments brought him the greatest joy.

Jim’s life was marked not only by faith and family but also by grit, laughter, and plenty of stories that prove he lived fully and loved deeply.