HERNANDEZ, James - b. July 13, 1961 - d. December 14, 2021

[patyrn]

James Hernandez, age 60, a resident of Moline, Kansas, passed away on December 14, 2021 at Via Christi - St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  He was born on July 13, 1961 to Antonia (Galvan) Hernandez in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1965, James and his family moved to Moline where he and his siblings made many memories growing up.  He would ride his bike, wagon attached, out to adventure around town and even on the highway to Grenola.  James has his big sister, Carmen, to thank for saving his life.  With disregard for her own life she jumped in and pulled him from the water at the Swinging Bridge in Moline when neither of them knew how to swim.  All that bike riding contributed to James's overall outstanding athletic ability.  He was his mama's superstar, excelling in both baseball, basketball, and football.  Even though he had such talent, it seemed to never get to his head as he was always inclusive with everyone, regardless of whether he knew them well.  His magnetic personality seemed to draw in anyone he was around.

As an adult, James remained kind and inclusive, contributing to his community in many ways.  He had a lawn care business through which he maintained residential lawns as well as cemeteries and other parts of the community.  He remained an avid sports fan, watching the Dallas Cowboys, LA Lakers, and KU Jayhawks basketball.  His selflessness extended to his children who would describe him as the best dad in the world.  He was so very proud of them.  He was also the one to call on when they needed anythig at all, especially his precious grandbabies who could do no wrong in his eyes.  James's big love for his family and community will be missed greatly but never forgotten.

James is survived by his two children, "Lil" James Hernandez and Vanessa Hull; his girlfriend, Teresa Bills; his sisters, Mary Ellen (Richard) Moreno of Moline, Kansas and Carmen (Steve) Edwards of Elk Falls, Kansas; his brothers, Frank Hernandez of Wichita, Kansas and John (Penny) Hernandez of Moline, Kansas; his grandchidlren, Armando, Riccy, Daniel, Adriana, Jaymie, Austin, Anthony, and Alena; a goddaughter, Olivia Moreno; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews along with countless friends and his dog, Lily.  James was preceded in death by his mother, Antonia; his grandparents, Maria and Manuel Galvan; and his godfather, Alexander Galvan.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Countryside Funeral Home in Howard, Kansas.  Rosary will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 320 Main Street, Moline, Kansas followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. A private family burial will be held following cremation at a later date at the Moline City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation has bee suggested to the Moline Alumni Association in James's memory and can be left with or mailed to the funeral home.  Services have been entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from Countryside Funeral Home website)