James Henry 'Jim' Berends, 91, of Hutchinson, died November 12, 2017, at Hospice House, Hutchinson. He was born December 23, 1925, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, to Ira Everett and Louise Rachael (Parks) Berends.

Jim spent most of his early life growing up in Alta Vista, Kansas, moving to Hutchinson in 1942. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943, serving on the USS Amador in the South Pacific, the USS Kermit Roosevelt, and on LCI. He was honorably discharged in 1947. Jim then worked as an auto mechanic for a Chrysler and Nash dealer. From 1956 to 1991, he worked at Master Machine Tools as an assembler, tool grinder, tool maker, and machinist. In 1996, he returned to work part-time, when he was not wintering in Alamo, Texas.

Jim always had a passion for cutting and polishing rocks and gem stones. He was a member of the Hutchinson Gem and Mineral Society, serving as show chairman, vice-president, and president. In addition, Jim was a member of the Golden Belt Gem and Mineral Society, Wichita Gem and Mineral Society, and was a lifetime member of the Loyal Order of Moose #982. After retirement, Jim also enjoyed building race car motors and making stain glass. He was a member of Berean Baptist Church, where he held numerous offices, before joining First Christian Church.

On May 2, 1947, he married Jean Marie Doop in Hutchinson. She died March 8, 2006. Jim is survived by: son, Jimmy Berends and wife Angel of Hutchinson; sisters, Alberta Messner of Hutchinson, Bonnie Lemoine of Pearl River, LA, Earlene Tatman of Jetmore; brother, Robert Terry of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Jean; daughters, Irene Starks and Karen Fleming; sister, Darlene Crabtree; brothers, Everett Berends, Cecil Terry, Gerald Terry; and long-time companion, Marie Trisler.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, November 18, 2017, at First Christian Church, 15 E. 5th, Hutchinson, with Pastor Bob Phipps officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the United States Navy Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with the family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials may be made to First Christian Church or Hospice House, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.