James Henry Henning

Jim was born to Thomas and Katherine Henning (nee Koski) in October of 1949. He was one of the first surviving Rh-negative babies and happily spent his early childhood in New Baltimore, MI near the shores of Lake St. Clair. He loved being on the water. The family later moved to Three Rivers, MI where he graduated from high school. Jim never stopped learning and continued with night classes through MSU. Jim passed away at home Wednesday evening April 24, 2024 due to a sudden cardiac event.

Jim was the founder of True-Tech Industries Co. in Kalamazoo, which he proudly operated with his wife and sons for over 40 years. He was known to be a mechanical genius, beginning with building go-carts at a young age, to later drag racing motorcycles and his Hemi Dodge Super Bee (and winning). Jim always owned at least one motorcycle and muscle car his entire adult life. He assisted each son in restoring their own vintage auto, with the youngest son’s before he even had a driver’s license! Jim could repair just about anything and was very meticulous in his work -- and he demanded that same level of care from all his employees. Jim was highly scrupulous and very outgoing and extremely giving. He mentored countless young people in his business and personal life, helping them move forward in a positive direction. Jim was a nature lover, and in his earlier years, he very much enjoyed hunting and fishing as an expert archer and marksman. Later on, he just “hunted” with a camera. Jim also had an artistic sense and enjoyed creating beautiful watercolor paintings and playing the guitar/singing. He had a wonderful sense of humor; his eyes would sparkle when he was joking around. His most important priorities were his love of life, God and his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Annalee; son Jim (Tina) Henning of Ludington, MI, and stepson David Crampton of Kalamazoo, MI; siblings Thomas Henning of St. Louis, MO; Mary (Dave) Kurczynski of Kenockee, MI and Clarence “Mick” (Sheree) Henning of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He is also survived by many beloved relatives including cousins, plus countless friends and business associates.  He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Kathy Bainbridge, sister-in-law Minnie Henning, nephew Donald Henning, and daughter-in-law Colleen Crampton.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and a memorial service officiated by Pastor Karen Wheat will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 18 at Langeland Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9^th St., Kalamazoo, MI. A light lunch will be served. Private family interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Harrison Cemetery, West U Avenue at south 10^th Street, Schoolcraft, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the charity of your choice. To view Jim’s personalized guestbook, please visit https://www.langelands.com.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding: In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. – Proverbs 3:5,6.