James Anthony Hendrickson, age 71, passed away peacefully at his hospice home in Lynnwood, WA on April 9th, 2024 after bravely battling pancreatic cancer for the past year. Born in 1952, he was the youngest of four boys to parents Rose and Laurie Hendrickson of Mercer Island, WA. James spent his formative years in the family home, seeing his parents and carpenter uncles construct a larger house for them. His early education took place in local schools before he attended a boarding school for the blind in Vancouver, WA. In 1970, he commenced his higher education journey at Seattle University, where he collaborated with others to find book readers for visually impaired students. He then completed a BS degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington in 1976. Jim competed in the cross-country ski competition at the Geilo, Norway International Olympics for the disabled in 1980. Throughout his career James worked as a software engineer and technician for various companies including Boeing Computer Services, National Semiconductor and C.M. Computer in Silicon Valley, CA, where he met Kathleen and in 1987 married in Mercer Island. Beyond his corporate roles he remained deeply committed to activism, focusing on economic empowerment, conservation, human rights and poverty alleviation using science and technology. Notably, he founded Sunspot Systems, developing electronically controlled dark eyeglasses, and contributed to planning an orphan community in Kitale, Kenya. James is survived by his former wife Kathleen, daughters Alycia and Jessica, and brother Richard. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers John and Thomas. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and unwavering integrity, James consistently showed kindness and compassion towards others. Despite facing challenges due to his visual impairment, he never sought special treatment, embodying resilience and determination. A devout follower of Christ, he now rests in eternal peace. Memorial services for James Hendrickson will be held at Lake Hills Baptist Church on May 11th at 11:00 am. Address is 506 140th AVE SE, Bellevue, WA 98005. Memories and condolences can be be posted here.