James A. Hockenberry

Dr. James A. Hockenberry, MD, 86, passed away peacefully at his residence in Fallon on Aug. 21 from natural causes. Dr. Hockenberry was born July 6, 1933 in Oakes, N.D. a to Vernon and Bun Hockenberry, the oldest of four children. He attended high school in Valley City, N.D., enlisting in the Navy after graduation. He married Janice Brainard in 1953 and after leaving the Navy, they moved to Grand Forks, N.D., where he attended college and medical school. He attended internship in Sioux Falls, S.D. for a year, then practiced in Oakes, N.D. and Britton, S.D. before moving to Fallon, Nev. in 1981.

He enjoyed skiing, sailing and was a private pilot, flying his plane many times as far as the Virgin Islands.

He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Cindy Andrews of Blackfoot, Idaho and his wife of 60 years, Janice. He is survived by his remaining five children and their spouses: Jim (Betty) Hockenberry of Jerome, Idaho; Tim (Janeen) Hockenberry of Reno; Steven (Bill Todd) Hockenberry of Reno; Heidi (Eric) Grimes of Fallon and Heather (Shelby) Hockenberry of Reno. He also leaves behind his three siblings and their spouses: Pat (Hib) Hill of Montecello, Minn.; Linda (John) Greenaway of Gresham, Ore. and Tom (Edie) Hockenberry of Mendota Heights, Minn., as well as many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and friends as well as the many patients for whom he cared so deeply.

A celebration of life will be held at the Fallon Convention Center on Sept. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. Coffee will be served, guests are asked to bring a dish to share since we really have no idea how many people to expect. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Banner Churchill Hospital Auxiliary. Also, a dedicated email has been set up to email stories, short videos, anecdotes, photos, well wishes, etc. for inclusion in the running slide show (timhockenberry@mail.com). If Dr. Hockenberry has touched your life in some way over the last 50 years of medical practice, please let us hear from you.