James A. Hendricks was born in Akron, Ohio on December 8, 1972. The youngest and only boy of five children, his life brightened their world. James passed away suddenly on September 18, 2022, into God’s loving arms due to a swimming accident while visiting a New Jersey Shore beach.
James loved spending quality time with his family and close, special friends. He was an extremely smart, witty, funny, and compassionate young man who loved the Lord. traveling the world, experiencing diverse cultures, and unique adventures, and truly adored his beloved mother. His mother adored him more.
He had an extremely successful career and inspired and encouraged others to achieve both their personal and professional goals in life. He was generous in giving time to help anyone in any way he could.
James was raised in Akron and graduated from North High School in 1991 as Senior Class President where he was a talented member of the orchestra playing violin, the varsity track and field team, and a math and reading tutor to younger students.
He continued his academic journey at the prestigious Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in Cleveland, Ohio where he earned a BS degree in Business Management along with a BA in Psychology in 1995/1996 and an MBA in 1997. During college, he worked as a full-time student Resident Director in the campus dormitory housing, and he considered one of his most important achievements to be his induction into the brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. While pursuing his master’s degree, James was a participant in the General Electric (GE) Human Resources Leadership Program and studied abroad in Spain where he participated in the International Scholar Program at the University of Seville and quickly learned to speak Spanish fluently.
James’ pursuit of a career in Human Resources (HR) eventually prompted him to move to New York City. His career spanned over 25 years of progressive, responsible, and proven leadership. Consistently advancing toward senior management, he was employed by several major American enterprises such as GE Lighting Kentucky Grass Plant, MSNBC, NBC, and ESPN. He was SPHR and Six Sigma certified. For the past two years, James was a New York City based Group Vice-President for Human Relations and Administration with Spectrum Reach, a division of Spectrum Charter Communications. His responsibilities included providing direct oversight to a team of 85 people and supporting 3,000 employees located in over 180 locations. He was also a senior administrator successfully leading and guiding HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning and Development facilities, and in-house PMO. He thrived on advising, counseling, and collaborating on HR strategy, planning, and design which supported critical business objectives while also persuasively moving people forward in the direction of their strengths. James built a hard-earned reputation for uncompromising integrity and honesty as well as innovative effective performance solutions.
His embracement of the importance of maintaining a well-balanced personal and professional life motivated James to seek participation as an active member of the distinguished National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) and the National Black MBA Association. Just weeks ago, NAMIC issued James an award for being a “Next Generation Leader”. He was very proud of this prominent recognition.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, James was a highly dedicated, respected, and longstanding active member of the New Light Baptist Church located in Harlem, NYC. He proudly served with honor as a Deacon, a singer in the church’s choir (Bobby Lewis Ensemble), and on the Board of Directors faithfully fulfilling the primary mission as a ministry of service to the needy. He attended church often and regularly.
James was a member of numerous organizations and groups including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., CWRU Alumni Organization, National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications, National Association of Television and Arts, National Black MBA Association, and Safe Horizon Board of Directors, to name a few.
James was preceded in death by his father, Albert C. Hendricks; and his eldest sister, Veronica A. Smith.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved mother, Cora M. Hendricks; 3 sisters, Deborah G. Stone, Sandra J. Terry, and Lillie F. Harrison; 4 nephews, Wendell Smith (Amy), Landon Harrison, Jawan Smith, and James Terry; 2 nieces, Kea Smith, and Mesha Allen. James leaves so many more family, godchildren, friends, fellow parishioners, colleagues, and other loved ones who he treasured dearly.
James was deeply loved by his family and friends who will always remember his fun laughter and forever celebrate his beautiful journey in life.