James Eldon Henson, age 94, passed away at his home in Marionville, Missouri, on June 21, 2022. He was born in Jenkins, Missouri, on May 23,1928, to Melvin Cyril “Jack” and Flossie Marie (McNeely) Henson.
He began his service in the Army in 1951 with basic training in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and was later stationed at Baumholder, Germany. James was united in marriage to Beatrice Barbara (Bradley) on May 12, 1954. The couple resided in Coffeyville, Kansas, where he used his knowledge of auto mechanics gleaned from working at Henson and Son Garage in Jenkins, Missouri, at Smith Chevrolet dealership in Coffeyville. James and family returned to Missouri where he later began his 30-year career in field operations and management at U-Haul Moving and Storage. He spent many of those years working with his lifelong friend, Calvin Holman, of Cassville, Missouri. James retired from U-Haul in May of 1990. James “Jimmy” and his wife of 68 years, Beatrice “Bea”, enjoyed their retirement years in Marionville, Missouri, where he raised various livestock, including emus. He also enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with his family.
James is survived by his wife, Beatrice and three children, Michael Steven (Michelle) Henson of Pleasant Hope, Missouri, Donna Kay Foster of Billings, Missouri and Deborah Ann Henson of Springfield, Missouri; five grandsons, Ryan (Selena) Kiesling of Gerald, Missouri, James (Ashley) Foster of Republic, Missouri, Derek (Autumn) Henson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jared (Cayla) Henson of Strafford, Missouri, and Travis Henson of Pleasant Hope, Missouri; nine great-grandchildren, Ben, Abby, Logan, Jay, Elias, Kinley, Hadley, Beckett and Luca.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Jack, and Flossie; an infant sister, Virginia, and sister, Wilma and brother-in-law, John McCallister of Cassville, Missouri.
Those who survive him celebrate his life and cherish many fond memories. He will be greatly missed by all who love him and enjoyed his humor, patience, and pleasant disposition.
A visitation was held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Williams Funeral Home in Marionville, with a funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with U.S. Navy Chaplain Derek Henson (grandson) officiating. Burial was at the Clio Cemetery in Jenkins, Missouri, with full military honors.
He remains in our hearts, always. The family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Online condolences may be shared at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeMo.com.
