James Earl Hensley, 72, of Rockford, Ohio, died Sunday evening, September 10, 2017, at his daughter's home in Rockford.

He was born on March 3, 1945, in Pineville, Kentucky, the son of Pittman and Sophia (Wilson) Hensley.

He had lived the past 55 years in Rockford, coming from Crab Orchard, Kentucky, Lincoln County. For over 30 years, Jim owned and operated Hensley, Inc., in Rockford where he did fabrication and welding for both private and commercial applications.

He was a Member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Van Wert, Ohio, and prior to that, had been a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, Hopewell, Rockford.

He loved to golf, and garden. He especially loved his family, including not only his family here in the Rockford area, but his family in Kentucky, where he loved spending time. His grandchildren were so very special to him; he enjoyed going to all their games - volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and even T-ball. He loved cooking and would always talk about his special recipes.

Surviving are his two daughters, Melissa (Todd J.) Kaufman and Elizabeth Hensley (Roger Luginbill), both of Rockford; his long-time companion, Norma Jean Greene of De Graff, Ohio; 5 grandchildren: Edward James Burtch, Claire Burtch, Haley Burtch, Elise Darrigan, and Rogan Luginbill; 6 step-grandchildren: Seth Luginbill, Reece Luginbill, Jacob Kaufman, Paige Kaufman, Joel (Lindsay) Kaufman, and Brooke Kaufman (Zach Lutmer); and 1 step great-grandchild, Brynn. Also surviving is a sister, Mary Ruth (Scott) Coign of Middlesboro, Kentucky, a brother, Jerry (Darcye) Hensley of Barbourville, Kentucky, sister-in-law, Ann Hensley of Kansas City, Missouri, and a brother-in-law, Boyd (Inez) Middleton of Ewing, Virginia.

Deceased is a sister, Betty Ann Middleton and a brother, Charles Hensley.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford with Pastor William Haggis III officiating.

Friends may call at Ketcham-Ripley from 2:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. on Thursday. Burial will take place on Saturday in Green Hills Cemetery in Middlesboro, Kentucky.

Memorials may be directed to Alzheimer's Assoc., 200 E. High Street, #2, Lima, Ohio, 45801.

Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com.