James "Jim" Patrick Henzi

James “Jim” Patrick Henzi, 73, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed awaypeacefully on April 20, 2024, with his wife, Kim, lovingly by his side. Jim had successfully battled Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis for several years but finally succumbed to his illness.

Jim was born November 15, 1950, in Olean, N.Y., the youngestof four children to Anna and Robert Henzi. Shortly after, the family moved to Sikeston, MO, where Jim spent his formative years deeply steeped in the love of his family and small-town community.

Jim was a fun spirited soul who took on many passions throughout his years.  As a teen, he played the tuba in Sikeston, MO, High School Band and Southeast MO State UniversityMarching Band, where he was always being told to, “Get back in line, 77!”  77, because that was imprinted on the only jersey he ever wore to practice.  He joined the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) Middle Ages Recreation in his 20’s, while in Memphis, TN.  He was known as James Dexter on the battlefield, where he always gave as good as he got. He took up Hot Air Ballooning in his 30’s, while in Albuquerque, N.M., with the balloon Finisterre “End of the Earth.”  

Also, in his 30’s, he finally yielded to the relentless pursuit of one Marca Kim Wiggs and asked her to become his wife.  She accepted, and they spent 36 fabulous years together: enjoying home life amidst their large extended Kansas City family; traveling to explore National Parks, Museums, State Capitols, Festivals, Sports, and so much more; and, appreciating theirwork lives, which gave each of them great fulfillment.

Jim’s profession in Radiography, which spanned over four decades, began in various hospitals, and continued for 21 years as a clinical instructor at the University of Missouri Kansas City Dental School.  

Jim was predeceased by father Robert Charles Henzi, mother Anna Marie (Harrington) Henzi, and brother Charles Fredrick Henzi.

He is survived by wife Kim Wiggs Henzi, brother Robert Michael Henzi (Margery), brother Thomas Harrington Henzi(Karen), nephew Robert Charles Henzi II (Pam), niece Jennifer Lavin(Travis), and four great-nieces and nephews. 

The funeral will be a private ceremony with only family members present.