James Ray Hildenbrand “Hildy”, 74, of Ferdinand

James Ray Hildenbrand “Hildy”, 74, of Ferdinand, passed away on Monday, January 26, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. James was born January 12, 1952, in Tell City to Raymond and Virginia (Fuchs) Hildenbrand. He married Brenda Gehlhausen on June 15, 1974, in St. Ferdinand Church. James was a graduate of Dale High School, Class of 1970.

He was a member of Christ the King Parish, St. Ferdinand Church, and its St. Joseph’s Sodality. James served in the Indiana National Guard and was a member of the Ferdinand American Legion Post 124. He was a past president of the Ferdinand Jaycees and a member of the Ferdinand Community Center. James had a successful career as an international agriculture salesman. James enjoyed camping, boating, traveling, and playing Sheepshead and Euchre.

James is survived by his wife, Brenda of Ferdinand; four daughters, Tammy Feldpausch and her fiancé, Mark Kirkpatrick, of Jeffersonville, Amy (James) Porter of Evansville, Jamie (Derek) Wong of Scottsdale, AZ, and Tina (Mike) Todesco of Libertyville, IL; three brothers, Randall “Shorty” (Connie) Hildenbrand of Ferdinand, Kevin (Glenda) Hildenbrand of Mariah Hill, and Steven (Diana) Hildenbrand of Lebanon, IN; two sisters, Janice (Jon) Morris of Mariah Hill and Jane Simon of Santa Claus; a sister-in-law, Melissa Hildenbrand of Rexburg, ID; ten grandchildren, Kloey (Ethan) Meyer, Kaden Feldpausch, Myles and Sydney Susott, Olivia, Lauren, Allison, and Spencer Wong, and Claire and Connor Todesco; and one great-grandchild, Bowen Patrick Meyer.

James was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Ken Hildenbrand and a brother in-law, Tom Goldsberry.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 2, at 11:00 AM ET at St. Ferdinand Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Ferdinand American Legion Post 124 will conduct military graveside rights. Friends may call on Sunday from 3:00–7:00 PM ET at Becher Funeral Home in Ferdinand and also on Monday morning from 7:00–10:30 AM ET at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.becherfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Deaconess Foundation - HeartSaver Program