James R. Hensel

May 2, 1955 – February 1, 2025

James "Jack" R. Hensel passed February 1, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born May 2, 1955, in Bloomington, Indiana, he was the son of John and Rebecca "Becky" (Languell) Hensel. Jack graduated from Northwest High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1973. He studied aircraft mechanics at Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana, and earned an associate's degree in 1976 and a B.S. degree in 1998. He proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, until he received an honorable discharge for medical reasons.

Jack worked as a tool & die maker for 37 years and retired from Allison's Transmission in 2017. He loved all things mechanical, especially machines that went fast. He built and rebuilt most anything, including clocks, automobiles, racecars, airplanes, gliders and antique guns. He earned licenses as an aircraft mechanic and a master clock maker. Jack owned and raced his own go karts and midget racecars, and competed in multiple United States Auto Club sanctioned events.

He was a member of the Indiana Soaring Club where he flew gliders and delighted in taking family and friends for rides. He was an avid beekeeper and bike rider, and rode in several Hilly Hundreds and other biking events throughout Indiana. A big dog lover, Jack raised and trained two devoted labs, Nicky and Jake.

Jack is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 30 years, Rosemary (McKim) Hensel; brothers David Hensel (Lisa), Timothy Hensel and Andy Hensel (Samantha); sister Karen Hensel; 13 nieces and nephews; and multiple cousins and other family members.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 pm, Friday, February 7, followed by a celebration of life at 2 pm at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg, Indiana.