It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Hendriks, formerly of Riverview, recently of McNair Manor, who passed away at The Moncton Hospital on Saturday, September 19, 2020. Born in Wanroy, Netherlands, he was the son of the late Harrie and Johanna (Minten) Hendriks. He was predeceased by his wife Hazel, parents, brother Harry, sisters Door and Nelly, and step-mother Johanna (Strik) Hendriks.Jim grew up in the Netherlands and arrived in Canada via Pier 21 in 1952. He spent his early years as a farmhand in PEI where he put his education in agriculture to use. He later moved to NS where he met and married Hazel and a 62-year love story began. He obtained his papers as a pastry chef, working at the NS Hospital as a cook, then as a bakery manager for Dominion Stores. The family moved to NB in 1972 when he accepted a position as a Regional Bakery and Deli Supervisor for Save-Easy (later Real Atlantic Superstore), ending his career as a Technical Specialist with Robin Hood Multi-Foods. He received many awards throughout his career, but he was most proud of the friends he made and followed the lives of the people he mentored with great pleasure. The family often joked that Jim never really retired as he often went back to "help out" at the Superstore in busy seasons and spent countless hours in the kitchen catering for the Knights of Columbus at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Jim was a 4th Degree Knight and was recognized repeatedly for his contributions. He and Hazel were devoted members of Immaculate Heart and his involvement in his church community was deeply important to him.
Jim was a man of many accomplishments and interests, and quickly mastered anything he tried his hand at from house building to photography to stained glass. He was happiest in his garden and saw any patch of land as a potential "farm". Many people were the recipient of his harvests over the years and he reveled in the nickname Papa Gardener. Most importantly, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be greatly missed by daughters Sonja (Sylvie Diotte), and Doralynne Robichaud (David), grandchildren Jade Bragg (T.J.) and Jacob Chapman (Josephine), great-granddaughter Iris, sister Joke van den Elsen (Riny), as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family in both Canada and the Netherlands.
The family would like to thank the staff of McNair Manor for their loving care of Jim over his last months during exceptional times. Special thanks go out to Dr. Jee and Dr. Hudson, and the staff of 4200 at The Moncton Hospital for their care and compassion.
The Family will be receiving relatives and friends at Cobbs Funeral Home and Cremation Center on Thursday, September 24th from 7-8pm for those age 65 and over and from 8-9 pm for the general public. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 5 Fatima Dr. Riverview on Friday, September 25 at 10:30 am. Face covering is required for visitation and the service. Please contact the funeral home at 869-2007 or by email [email protected] to reserve seating. Donations to a charity of your choice would be most appreciated.