James David Hensley

James David Hensley was born to JoAn and James Hensley in San Bernardino and passed away from lung cancer 8 months and 2 days after the diagnosis was made. Even through this difficult time, his continued to live life to the fullest possible extent and lavished his attention and love on what mattered most to him: his family. He made certain that his wife of 36 years, Margaret and their children, Rebecca and Roger Smith and Alexandra and Dan Hensley, knew how much they were adored, appreciated and respected. While they brought great joy to David, it was his grandchildren, Ephram Smith, Gideon Smith and Jocelyn Hensley that were the subjects of most conversations and enjoyed his most blatant and unashamed adoration. He truly was one of their greatest and most vocal fans and was quick to share their latest accomplishments, activities and pictures with anyone who feigned even mild interest. David was counting the days before Hayleigh Smith was born and had great plans to shamelessly spoil her. While she will never know her Pop, she certainly will know his influence and legacy. Since becoming ill, David and his family have had many guardian angels. Two of these, Dr. Michael Keefer and his nurse Linda, gave David the courage and wisdom to fight cancer with grace and determination. Other guardian angels, Tracy Nicholson and Bob Bruce, allowed David to finish his 33 years of contracting at TAFB about 3 weeks ago on his own terms while other guardian angels there showered him with loving attention. David enjoyed many friendships there over his 33 years and often shared his quick wit and wisdom with everyone, even those who weren't interested! Other guardian angels, the Bunko Babes and Poker Pals, were quietly recruited by David to watch over his family after he no longer was able to do so. Because of his confidence in their loving and continued support, he found great comfort and peace. The family is thankful for the many, many guardian angels that gave David love, hugs and prayers. David would have wanted to encourage those who use tobacco products to not give up the fight to beat the addiction! One of David's proudest accomplishments was to win that battle on March 9, 2007 after numerous attempts. And for those who don't use tobacco products, please be supportive of the extremely difficult battle to stop the habit! In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his honor to either the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma (3355 S. Purdue Ave., OKC 73137) or Mercy Health Center of Oklahoma, Palliative Care Program, (ATTN: Cris, 4205 McCauley Blvd, OKC 73120).