James Stephen "Jim" Hemming

James Stephen “Jim” Hemming, 93 of Janesville, WI passed away on August 25, 2026 at home surrounded by a yard full of wild turkeys, a feeder full of hummingbirds, the sun shining and Willie Nelson playing in the background. He was born in Janesville on June 7, 1933, the son of James “Leo” and Clara (Hanewold) Hemming. James resided most of his life in Janesville, except from 1938 to 1942 when the family resided in Mercer WI where they operated a resort. James served in the U. S. Navy, on the USS J. P. Kennedy from 1950 to 1954 where he fought in the Korean War and traveled around the world, all before the age of 18.

James married Janet (Craker) Hemming on May 19, 1979 and they raised their families together in Janesville. James was a professional OTR truck driver for 70 years, and his work ethic was unmatched. He loved traveling across the country in a semi on the many trips he took with Janet. Outside of his work, Jim loved working around his home which he helped build, that lived in for almost 40 years and that he passed away at. He enjoyed woodworking, and in his younger years, hunting and cutting wood. Jim’s biggest pride was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, making sure that he always attended all their events. He was always excited to tell people that his granddaughter Breanne swam and photographed sharks! Jim also enjoyed watching football, especially the Packers and he was very proud to have lived long enough to see his great-grandson Dean play his first year of college football. Jim will be remembered for being the kindest man, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He enjoyed his Thursday morning “coffee with the cronies,” always looking forward to it. He will be missed by the “cronies” Vic, Dennis, and Ron. Jim also took immense pride in living long enough to celebrate not only his own 93rd birthday, but Willie Nelson’s as well.

James is survived by six children; Patrick (Janet) Hemming, Marianne Walker, Melody Allred (Don), Mark Craker, Kellie Everhart, and Earl (Julie) Craker; his grandchildren James Allred (Kerry), Billie Ann Elmhorst, Amanda (Jay Jay) Harilal, Alex (Tierney) Craker, Breanne Carrin, Spencer Craker, Alexandra Craker; his great-grandchildren, Riley, Dean, Chloe, Hunter, Liam, and Maisie; his nephew, Rodney Ludeking; sister, Mary Anne Miller; and special friends Vic and Bonnie Miller. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet M. Hemming; parents, James and Clara; siblings Jack, Mark and Betty; son, Stephen Hemming; son in law, Dean Everhart; favorite niece, Sue Ludeking; and Phyliss Snyder, mother of his son Stephen and Rita Cullen, the mother of his son Patrick and daughter Marianne.

Husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle, brother and friend will be greatly missed and always remembered for the love of his family, his strength, kindness, and sense of humor. He also leaves a lifetime of memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of our family and all who knew and loved him.

A visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville with funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m. Military rites will be conducted by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621. A luncheon will follow at the funeral home.

HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME is assisting James Hemming’s family. Online condolences may be shared at www.henkeclarson.com.