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Herin, James Gordon, was born on September 5, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in Indianapolis with his father and mother, George and Carrie Herin, and his siblings Robert (known as Bill), Richard, and Evelyn. Jim moved to Southern California after graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1958.

He married Patricia Schneider in 1961. Pat pre-deceased him in 2007. He later married Janellyn Hannah in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Janellyn; two sons, Steven and Robert; daughters-in-law, Suzanne and Marie; Niki and Dave Owrey; and six grandchildren – Alex, Hannah, Jack, Ava, Melissa, and Tyler.

Jim’s first job in 1958 was with Douglas Aircraft, which later became McDonnell Douglas. After retiring in 1997, he worked for Xontech, which later became Northrop Grumman, retiring from there in 2007. For most of his career, he led a group of engineers and scientists in the research, analysis, and development of radar algorithms for Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Defense. In the 1970s, he went to night law school while continuing to work at McDonnell Douglas. After receiving his JD degree and passing the California State Bar Exam in 1976, he practiced law for a few years but decided to return to engineering in 1980.

Jim loved music and played the saxophone beginning at age 10. He was in the Shortridge High School Marching Band and the Purdue University Marching Band. He also led a big band while in high school, playing for high school proms at high schools around Indiana. He sang in church choirs and joined the California Coastal Chorale in 2018. This group of over 100 Christian singers performed at many concerts, including Carnegie Hall in 2019.

Jim attended church most of his adult life, beginning in high school when he joined a Methodist church basketball team. In 1980, Jim’s life was forever changed when God called him to be born again and follow Jesus.

He was active with the Gideon International ministry and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Huntington Beach. His favorite Bible verse was:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs

A celebration of life will be held in May in Huntington Beach.

 

 

The Huntington Beach News does not charge to run obituaries, but they may be edited to conform to our policies and are of current or former residents of Huntington Beach, have a connection to Huntington Beach or services that are held in Huntington Beach.

 

  Huntington Beach News