James O. Hedrick, Jr. (Jim), 83, of Cuero passed away July 1, 2015. He and his twin brother, Jerry, were born in Kingsville, TX on September 12, 1931 to the late Jim and Alta Hardy Hedrick.
He and his family moved to Cuero in 1980 when he assumed ownership of Coppedge Tire Service and operated the business until 1996. He received a BBA from the University of Texas in Austin. He was a member of Cuero’s First Presbyterian Church serving faithfully in missions and outreach, house and grounds, and choral areas. Music was an integral part of his life.
As a young man, he received the Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Awards. Throughout his life - church involvement, supporting his family, and the virtues of the Boy Scouts sustained him. He was the consummate Good Samaritan and rarely skipped an opportunity to help any stranger or friend in need. While serving as a Physician’s Assistant during the Korean War, Jim spent much of his leave time helping rebuild a war-torn orphanage while stationed in Japan. He worked tirelessly in the community volunteering time and monies. In earlier years he assisted EMS, Cuero’s Christmas in the Park, Keep Cuero Beautiful, Cuero Tree City Board, VFW, DeWitt County Appraisal Review Board, Wounded Warriors, TPA member (35 years), Cuero Boys and Girls Club, volunteer driver for the American Cancer Committee, Relay for Life events, and countless anonymous acts of kindness. In 2005 the Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Community Service Award. He was given the honor by Keep Texas Beautiful as Texas Volunteer of the Month for February 2011.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ann Parks Hedrick, son James Bradford Hedrick and wife Cecilia Hedrick of Cuero, TX, daughter Shawn Elizabeth Hedrick of Cuero, TX, daughter-in-law Stacy Woolsey Hedrick of Portland, TX, sister Peggy Hedrick Littell of Houston, TX, sister-in-law Joanne Hedrick of Corpus Christi, TX, grandchildren James Robert Hedrick and fiancée Amber Hayes of Ingleside, TX, Patricia Ann Hedrick and Christopher Mekhail of Austin, TX, Sarah Beth Schumacher and husband Matthew Schumacher of New Braunfels, TX, Cody Charles Brooks of College Station, TX, and many other nieces and nephews. Family meant everything to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son John T. Hedrick, grandson Timothy Shea Hedrick, and twin brother Jerry W. Hedrick.
Memorial Services will be held July 11, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Presbyterian Church. 902 N. McLeod St. Cuero, TX 77954.
You may send condolences or sign the guest book at www.fruendfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers and in Jim’s memory, contributions may be made to: Hospice of South Texas, 605 E. Locust Ave., Victoria, TX 77901.
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