James Hendrith, 66, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Monday, November 7, 2011 at Putnam Community Medical Center following an extended illness. The son of Luther Hendrith Sr., and Minnie Hayward Hendrith, he was born on Thursday, February 22, 1945 in St. Augustine and was a lifelong resident of Palatka. He was a graduate of Central Academy High School, class of 62. James was a member of the Palatka Church of God by Faith where he served in the mens department. He was an insurance agent with American Republic Insurance Company for 10 years and was formerly employed as a set-up operator at Central States and Georgia-Pacific as well as a machine operator at the V.A.W. Aluminum Factory in St. Augustine. He was united in marriage to the former Shirley Jean Shephard and they were loving parents to their children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, oiling his guns, spending time with his grandchildren and especially enjoyed teaching them driving lessons. James was preceded in eternal rest by his father, Luther Hendrith, Sr.; grandparents, Andrew & Lillie Bell Gaskin; brother, Luther Big Man Hendrith, Jr.; sisters, Artie Lee Lewis and Pauline Townsend; grandchildren, Eric Canty, Jr., and Chasity Johnson. To cherish his memories: devoted wife of 25 years, Shirley Hendrith, Palatka; beloved mother, Minnie Hayward Hendrith, Palatka; 8 sons; Keith James Hendrith, Andre Alston, Lance Alston, Michael Canty, Sr., Roosevelt Canty, Jr., Eric (Tonya) Canty, Sr., Shanez Hendrith, and Samuel Hendrith, all of Palatka; 7 daughters, Kimberly (Harrison) Edwards, Beverly Canty Johnson, Valerie (Eugene III) Blye, Michelle Hendrith, and Shirlene Hendrith, all of Palatka; Twila (Clayton) Boyd, Winter Haven; Raggie Canty, Jacksonville; sisters and brother, Lillie Bell Brooks, Mae Bell Hendrith-Thomas, and Izell Ike Hendrith, Sr., all of Palatka; 59 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Constance Margaret McRae, Palatka; Sadie Thomas and Linda (Rudolph) Bowen, both of Hartford CT., and a host of devoted nieces, nephews; numerous other caring relatives and friends. Visitation of family and friends will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, November 11, at Palatka Church of God By Faith, 1511 Washington Street. Homegoing Celebration will be 12 noon Saturday, November 12th at Mt. Tabor First Baptist Church, 4909 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Rev. Karl N. Flagg, Pastor. Elder Phillip Thomas, pastor of Palatka Church of God by Faith, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Oak Hill East Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Hendriths residence, 904 North 109th Street.