James Francis Hennessy, known to his friends and family as Jim, passed away peacefully on Sunday April 15th after 75 years of truly living life to the fullest. He was a proud native San Franciscan, a veteran, a police officer, a world traveler, a raconteur, and the life of any event he attended. He loved his wife, his family, his friends, and his city. Jim always said that his life was better than he ever could have imagined.
Jim was born in 1943 to James and Mary Fahey Hennessy. He grew up in Noe Valley, and later lived in Potrero Hill and the West Side. He graduated from St. James Elementary School and Lowell High School. During the Vietnam War, he joined the US Navy to serve his country and see the world. He returned from overseas to serve The City, as a San Francisco Police Officer for 34 years. He especially enjoyed his 21 years as a member of the SFPD Mounted Police in Golden Gate Park. Jim retired from the SFPD in 2000 and became an active reservist in the US Coast Guard following September 11th, 2001 in the newly formed Sea Marshal's Program. Jim was a member of the SF Police Credit union and served on the Board of Directors for many years. Jim was passionate about travel and was known to many for his organization of exciting trips to Asia and Europe. He was a gifted travel planner, storyteller, and entertainer with an appreciation for good food, good drinks, and good company. He brought strong convictions, a wealth of experience, and perfect comic timing to any story he related.
Jim is survived by his best friend and wife of 41 years, Vicki Hennessy. Together they raised two children, Erin (Dan Clegg) and Patrick. They welcomed their first grandchild, Esme Clegg, in 2016. Jim was a loving brother to Sister Rose Marie Hennessy, OP and Margaret (Larry Teshara) and uncle to Jesse and Greg Teshara (Elizabeth Steele.) Jim will be sorely missed and remembered fondly by his family and his many friends in San Francisco and beyond.
At Jim's direction, there will be no services. Those who would like to send a gift in his honor are encouraged to donate to the Marines Memorial Association Gold Star Parent Event, an annual event honoring and connecting families who have lost a son or daughter in service to our country. Donations can be made at ourmission.marinesmemorial.org/goldstar or you may call the Marines Memorial Development Department at 415-658-9210.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Hennessy

12 Entries

Claudine Minasian

May 9, 2018

I have known Jim and Vicki for many years through the SFPD and hand talked to him just weeks before he earned his angel wings. Even though he knew he was going to leave this earth soon, he was still funny, full of news and still wanted to talk. I was proud to be his friend. A group of couples used to go out to dinner together at times, long ago, and it was always so much fun. He was never at a loss for words. He was a great man and his obituary tells it all. He was a friend to me and helped me with good advice. We went on a cruise to Alaska with him, his wife and many police families quite a few years ago and we all had the best time. He was not only a great police officer but a great trip planner. Our daughter used to babysit for Erin and Patrick. May he rest in peace and free of pain. I am sure he is keeping the people in Heaven with him laughing and entertained. Will miss you my friend. My heart goes out to Vicki and their children, Erin and Patrick.

Marie Roberts

April 28, 2018

With our sincere condolences

The Roberts Family

Lydia Taylor-Bellinger

April 25, 2018

Vicki,
My prayers and condolences are with you and the family.You have great memories and he will always be with you.

Sebastian & Claire Passanisi

April 25, 2018

A good man gone too soon! RIP, Jim!

JoAnn Chiarani

April 25, 2018

Vicki and family: My love, sympathy and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I have many fond and wonderful memories of Jim on our cruises. I know he is at peace watching over you.

Sandi and Jim Bargioni

April 23, 2018

Vicki, Erin had Patrick,
Our hearts are with you, over the loss of one of the nicest guys we ever knew.

Jim was a class act every step of the way.

John Wyman

April 23, 2018

Vicki and Family, My condolences on your great loss. Although I never worked with Jim, all who did have the kindest remarks and respect for him. RIP

BERNADETTE VIRIPAEFF

April 22, 2018

Vicky ... I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jimmy. It sure sounds like he enjoyed a life well lived. Always treasure the good times and happy memories. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Bernadette Fahey Viripaeff and family.

David Ebarle

April 22, 2018

I met Jim in the Sunset years, due to his wife's work at the Department of Emergency Management in San Francisco. He was always, without fail, happy to see you with a strong gripped handshake and hearty laugh. When Vicki retired from the Dept., Jim was only overjoyed to plan her little celebration. I had the pleasure of working with him on that. Jim leaves with us the stories of being the Good Police in the latter 20th century. While he is universally missed, the simple fact he lived a rich life and shared it with us brings solace to me. May you rest in peace, Jim.

Shannon Durkan

April 22, 2018

San Francisco has lost a true gentleman with Jim's passing. Jim brightened a room with his warm smile, filling it with conversations of his travels, San Francisco history and his days as an officer. I feel very fortunate to have gotten to know him through Marcello's. He was someone you loved to see join your company and I know he will be tremendously missed by all who crossed his path.

Vicki and family, I'm am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May Jim rest in peace now.

Edward McMahon

April 22, 2018

My childhood recollection of James Hennessey - In the sixties, my brothers and I grew up on Jersey Street, a few buildings down the street from the Hennessy family. Peggy (Margaret) was our babysitter. It was a time when neighborhood kids safely played in the streets in front of their homes. One clear, beautiful SF day, Jim came out of his home wearing his navy uniform. He threw the ball with us kids for awhile. He then took off his white sailor cap and handed it to me along with a dark colored navy neckerchief to keep. He made a young kid very happy that day and created a memory that lasts to this day. I never spoke to him again. I do know he was greatly respected by his SFPD colleagues. Hopefully we can all treat others with kindness and create memories with a simple act like Jim did. My bet is that he created good memories for a lot of people. My condolences to the entire Hennessey family and particularly to Peggy who was a good friend to my mother and our family. A life well lived! Thank you for the hat, your service to this country and your love of this city and your family

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