Philadelphia Police Officer James Henninger, 71
When he was diagnosed with stage-4 prostate cancer in December 2010, Philadelphia Police Officer James Henninger was told he had between six months and two years to live.
When he was diagnosed with stage-4 prostate cancer in December 2010, Philadelphia Police Officer James Henninger was told he had between six months and two years to live.
But that didn't stop the veteran officer from reporting to work every day in Center City's Ninth District, while he received radiation treatment on his lunch break.
On Saturday, May 21 - more than five years after his diagnosis - Mr. Henninger, 71, lost his battle with cancer at Crossroads Hospice in Plymouth Meeting, one week before his 50th wedding anniversary.
His storied career in policing included a stint on the "Granny Squad" and more than 21 commendations, including the Medal of Excellence.
"He's a legend. . . . He knew this job inside and out," said Central Detectives Capt. Frank Banford, who was Mr. Henninger's captain in the Ninth District. "He had so many medals on his chest, he couldn't bend over."
Those who knew him may best remember Mr. Henninger for his sense of humor. In a 2011 interview with the Daily News, he said that when he died, he wanted his wife to throw his ashes into a $10 cookie jar from Kmart.
"This way, she could put it on the windowsill and I could look out at the neighborhood," he said.
Instead of a cookie jar, Barbara Henninger opted for a nice glass container. "Because he wants to be able to see out the window, he wants a view," she said Monday.
Mr. Henninger, a Philadelphia native, grew up in North Philadelphia and, at 17, joined the Navy. He spent four years in the service. He served again in 1990, when he was called up in the Marine Reserve at age 46.
In 1970, Mr. Henninger left a job barreling Agent Orange at Rohm & Haas Co. to fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer.
He spent 28 years assigned to the 25th District in North Philadelphia. During his time on the force, he delivered two babies, saved a child with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and rescued a woman from a burning car.
For a time, Mr. Henninger was detailed to the famous "Granny Squad," a unit whose officers went undercover disguised as elderly men and women to lure prospective robbers.
Through it all, Mr. Henninger retained a positive outlook on life and humanity.
"If you don't believe that people are generally good, then you may as well give up," he said.
Mr. Henninger kept most of his awards in a crumpled paper grocery bag. In 2011, he was the third officer to receive the Medal of Excellence for "service over a continuous period of time that exceeds the expectations of citizens and police officials."
Mr. Henninger retired from the force in January 2013 after nearly 43 years of service.
"He would have stayed a lot longer if he could have," Barbara Henninger said. "He loved it."
The Henningers would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday.
Barbara Henninger said her favorite quote fits the love they shared. "Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale," she said.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Kimberly and Raeann Henninger Hofkin; son Jason; and five grandchildren.
Services were private.
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