With great sadness, we share that Jim Hemenway, 72, passed away peacefully from heart complications at Mercy Hospital on August 20th, 2025.
Born on August 1st, 1953, Jim grew up in Affton, MO as the third child of four. Family always came first and he stayed close with his siblings over the course of their lives, working, traveling, and laughing together. He was an all-American boy, involved in athletics and willing to put in work on the family farm. Jim made everyone feel welcome, he loved to entertain and you never left his house hungry.
He became a father for the first time in 1979 and then again in 1983, a role Jim cherished. He loved seeing his boys active in sports and enjoyed taking them to watch the Cardinals, Blues, and Rams play. It’s a testament to Jim’s lasting impact that both sons followed in their father’s footsteps, building successful careers in sales.
Jim adored being a grandparent and spoiling his 6 grandchildren with love. He was there for school performances, sporting events, and birthdays – always proud and occasionally tearful. Some of his best times were the long summer days spent with a deck and pool full of family and grandkids, playing and laughing.
As a business owner, Jim took pride in his career as a salesman and the success he built over many years. Whether driving all over the Midwest or flying to visit factories in China, travel allowed him to connect and build professional and personal relationships with people all over the world.
In recent years, Jim had grown in community with the staff and residents at Sunrise of Des Peres and could often be found playing cards or holding court with his friends. The time he spent there brought new and wonderful people into his life.
Some of the other things Jim loved most were grapes, beach days, hosting and cooking for people, gardening, Christmas, golf, sweet treats, traveling, Costco, and giving gifts. For those that cared for him, may each time you experience these joys be a blessing in his memory.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer “Jim” Hemenway Sr. and Dolores (Matheny) Hemenway, his sister Sandy Hemenway, and his brother-in-law Don Anderson. He is survived and remembered well by many, including his sister Sharon (Hemenway) Anderson, his brother Tim Hemenway, sister-in-law Suzanne (Seiler) Hemenway, niece Kristen Hemenway, niece Amy Kownacki, his sons Steve and Scott Hemenway, daughters-in-law Mary (Stewart) and Katie (Murphy) Hemenway, and his beloved grandchildren James, Dexter, Andrew, Milo, Winnie, and William Hemenway.
The visitation is Wednesday August 27th, 3pm-7pm at Kutis Affton (10151 Gravois Rd. 63123).
The funeral service will be held at Kutis Affton on Thursday August 28th at 11am. Immediately following, Jim will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park and Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pony Bird disability services at https://ponybird.org/donate/
My condolences to Jim’s family. I had the biggest crush on him in grade school.
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Prayers for the family. He was a good father, grandpa and brother.
Jim was one of the BEST bosses I ever had. ❤️
When I came to work for DHP he and I bonded quickly, he was like a Dad to me. We always enjoyed lunches together and he would talk about the love of baseball and his grandkids.
YOU will be missed by so many.
I loved working for Jim. He wins the award for greatest boss ever. He cared about his employees.. We had lunch with him just about everyday. After his stroke, lunch time wasn’t the same. The while day wasn’t the same without Jim there. We loved him and will miss him.
I loved working for Jim. He wins the award for greatest boss ever. He cared about his employees.. We had lunch with him just about everyday. After his stroke, lunch time wasn’t the same. The whole day wasn’t the same without Jim there. We loved him and will miss him.
Tim and Suzie, so sorry for your loss. I remember when he came to the marina. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I enjoyed working for Jim and realized immediately how compassionate he was about his family and his work. I also figured out quickly how much he loved Costco, entertaining his friends and family and that he could decorate a Xmas tree like nobody’s business and do it super fast (I was literally in awe) .
During my first three months of employment, I mentioned that my family held an annual benefit, and he was incredibly generous by donating a few coolers. To my amazement, he attended the benefit, had lunch, and played a few games of “Chuck O Luck” before going to one of his grandchildren’s games. I am so grateful that he donated, but even more so that he showed up.
Jim would spoil us on Friday’s and bring donuts to the office, so this past Friday we toasted Jim with a donut. Sending prayers for the family to give them strength to deal with their loss.
Rest in peace Jim, you will be greatly missed by so many.
I met Jim through work back in the early 80’s and we became good friends and even played a little golf together. Over the years I met Tim and Jim’s sons, Steve and Scott. Jim was a hard worker, but he enjoyed his free time and was always so generous and kind. Unfortunately, we traveled down separate paths the past 10 years or so and lost touch with one another. I was unaware of his health issues and so sorry to hear of his passing. I regret missing his visitation and funeral services.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire extended Hemenway family. Jim was a great guy and he will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him!!!
We are so sad that you have lost your dear Jim. His obituary was wonderful and so loving to read. It brought back so much that made him a good friend. Since we were in Oregon with Ben and Dan, we are sorry to have missed his visitation. Please accept our condolences. We made a donation in fond memory of Jim to Ponybird.