James M. "Jim" Hedrick

James Michael “Jim” Hedrick, 80, of Lincoln, formerly of St. Paul, passed away peacefully, Saturday, June 15, 2019, at his home, in his favorite chair, surrounded by loved ones. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. The Rev. Rayappa Konka and Deacon Neil Baquet will concelebrate the Mass. A luncheon following the Mass will be served in the Parish Life Center. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church, with a 7 p.m. rosary. Burial with full military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2019, at the Omaha National Cemetery, 14250 Schram Road in Omaha. Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family. Jim was born on Jan. 4, 1939, at North Platte, the son of Lowell V. “Jack” and Agnes M. “Pat” (McNeel) Hedrick. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1957. During high school he joined the Army National Guard and then enlisted in the United States Army after graduation. During his military service, Jim was awarded numerous badges and medals, including the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Soldier's Medal of Honor, a Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, and certified as a Master Parachutist, completing over 600 jumps. Jim became one of the original Green Beret recipients while serving with the 10th Special Forces Group in Bad Tölz, Germany. He then joined the 101st Airborne Division of Fort Campbell, KY and went on to serve two tours in Vietnam with the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg, NC. He retired as a US Infantry Captain in 1971. Jim held various jobs after his military service and in 1976 he hired out with Union Pacific Railroad as a Conductor/Switchman. He was promoted to Safety Manager and retired as a Conductor in 1992. Jim and his favorite wife, Mary, opened House of Memories in St. Paul, during which time he developed his woodworking skills by creating beautiful pieces of furniture and gifts. He was well known for entertaining guests with his unending jokes and humor from 2001 until they finally retired and moved to Lincoln in 2016. Jim was married to Mary Sack on June 23, 1990, in St. Paul, and they lived happily ever after. He is survived by his wife, Mary Sack-Hedrick of Lincoln; four children, Angela Hunt of North Platte, Michael Hedrick of Dallas, TX, Paula Salagovich of Ishpeming, MI and James Kelly Hedrick of Woodbine, IA; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter; and two brothers and one sister-in-law, John “Jack” Hedrick of Talala, OK and Bill and Hazel Hedrick of Rockwell, NC; special companion, Bartley James Hedrick; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Jack Hedrick; infant daughter, Patricia Maureen Hedrick; great-granddaughter, Lauren Hunt; and sister, Doris Dotson. The family of Jim wishes to thank his Caregivers (aka Angels), Cati and Dallas Havens, Ashley Magana, Hallie Conroy, Morgan Horrine, Mariah Havens and Rebecca Miller, as well as Wendy Miller of Avalon Hospice and Dr. Rubab Husain, for their excellent care and love for Jim. Memorials are suggested to the family to be given to Vietnam Veterans affected by Agent Orange. Out.