Jim married Kathy Bailey in 1969 at First United Methodist Church in Scottsbluff, NE. Jim and Kathy welcomed their adopted son, Daniel, to the family in 1979. Jim later married Jody Busse in 2004 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE.
Jim was a lifelong member of Southview (formerly Tabernacle) Christian Church. Jim loved to sing. His strong bass voice would often be heard lifting up his favorite hymns, or providing a solo in memory of his mother, Dorothy, on the first Sunday in September. He also served in a number of leadership roles including; Member and Chair of the Elders, Administrative Board, Trustees, Personnel Committee, Nominating Committee and Disciples Men’s Group. Jim also served as a Sunday School teacher. He was also active in the Statewide Disciples Men’s Group; including serving as its President.
As a lifelong member of Troop 16; chartered and supported by Southview (formerly Tabernacle) Christian Church, Jim’s ministry was Scouting. Jim’s love of Scouting knew no stranger. As a youth, Jim began his Scouting journey as a Cub Scout earning his Arrow of Light as a member of Pack 16. Jim crossed over into Troop 16 as a Boy Scout. As a Scout Jim moved through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star and Life, earning his Eagle Scout Rank in 1962. Jim was inducted in the Order of the Arrow, becoming an Ordeal (1960) and Brotherhood (1961) member. Jim was also a member of Explorer Post 500. As a youth, Jim attended Summer Camp at Cornhusker Scout Reservation. Jim later served as a BSA Lifeguard at both Camp Minis Kula and Camp Cornhusker. As an adult, Jim served as the Troop 16 Scoutmaster from 1977 to 1997. During his tenure as Scoutmaster, Troop 16 became the largest Troop in the Cornhusker Council. Jim received his Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow in 1986. Jim was also the recipient of the Scouter Key, God and Service Recognition and Award of Merit. Jim was awarded his Silver Beaver, the highest adult honor, in 1989. Jim continued to serve both Troop 16 and the Cornhusker Council in various roles throughout his lifetime; included among those roles were Troop 16 Committee Member, Wood Badge Course Staff, Camp Cornhusker Resident Staff and Camp Commissioner and Cub Scout Fun with Son staff. Among Jim’s most cherished Scouting memories were his 1993 Philmont Scout Camp Trek, 1996 National Order of the Arrow Conference and the 2002 National Jamboree.
In his early years, Jim was employed in both industry and sales. It was later in life, while employed with Region V Services, that Jim experienced his true vocational calling; serving as a surrogate parent and caregiver to Jeremy, Barry and Derek. The “boys” as Jim affectionately called them, would often accompany him to family dinners, weekends at Scout Camp and other adventures in the Lincoln community.
Jim is survived by wife, Jody Busse, former wife, Kathy (Bailey) Hedrick, Brothers Robert (Bob) and Sue Hedrick and Michael Hedrick, Brother In Law, Joe Swenson, Son Daniel and Maria (Von Rentzel) Hedrick, Niece, Susan (Swenson) and Thomas Hancock, Nephews, Scott Swenson and special friend, Shelly Helgeson, and Samuel (Sam) Hedrick. Grandchildren include Dakotah, Sapphire, Kyo and Dominik Hedrick. Jim was preceded in death by parents, Dorothy (Yost) and Dale Hedrick, Sister, Connie (Hedrick) Swenson and Nephew, Jackson Hedrick.
Jim’s Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, 5/31/2025 at Southview Christian Church, 2040 South 22nd Street, Lincoln, NE. Memorials can be designated to Troop 16, Southview Christian Church or the Cornhusker Council. Services will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/southviewchristian2040/