James Dodd Henson

1917 - 2017

James Dodd Henson obituary, 1917-2017

James Dodd Henson

1917 - 2017

BORN

1917

DIED

2017

James Henson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 13, 2017.
James "Jim" Dodd Henson, Sr., 100, of Killeen, passed peacefully on Saturday, February 11th, at Darnall Army Hospital, Fort Hood, with his devoted wife Janell at his side.

Jim was born January 22, 1917, in Denison, Texas, the son of Jeptha "Jake" Thomas Henson and Johnnie Blanche Black. Jim evolved to become a robust, dynamic man of exceptional industriousness, integrity, virtue, and honor. His love for his family was boundless Jim was a towering figure, not only in physical stature but more so in the power of his personality-no one who met Jim would ever forget their encounter. He steadfastly lived his religious beliefs with all his heart and soul. And, as one of the faithful members of Killeen's Skyline Baptist Church and the First Baptist Church of Killeen, God filled his soul with the wisdom of the ages and reassurances of eternal life.

Jim packed many lifetimes into his extraordinary life. He achieved enviable distinction in the military, he enjoyed theatrics of historical reenactment. Jim enlisted in the National Guard in the 1930s, was activated into U.S. Army for the duration of World War II, and later became one of the most highly trusted and invaluable experts in the ultra-secretive world of protecting our nation's nuclear defense. In his 31-year of military career he received many commendations and a Warrant Officer commission as a CWO 3. Jim retired from military duty in 1971 and began Civil Service at Fort Hood that ended in 1981. Capitalizing on his electronics education at Furman University and his employment at radio stations in South Carolina and Texas, he became an integral volunteer in the disaster relief mission of Ham Radio Operators as W5BVN for 65 years. Jim aided in the rescue and disaster preparedness operations of the Coast Guard Auxiliary for four years. He was a 32nd-degree Mason, in Lodge 1123 and of Walden Lodge 274 over a span of 65 years. For 16 of those years he guided the Boy Scouts of America, attaining the esteemed rank of "Vigil" in BSA's Order of the Arrow. Jim served his community as a member of Sottish Rite and Wes–Bell Shriners Club. Bringing the Old Wild West back to life as a reenactor, historian, and captivating teller of spellbinding true tales with the Red River Gunfighters Association. He loved native American ancestry and travelling the country as a member of the Alamo RV Club of San Antonio, the Cajun RV Club of Louisiana, with SMART (Special Military and Retired Travel Club).

Jim was preceded by his first wife of 59 years, Katherine Parham Henson. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Janell McCaa-Henson of Killeen; children: Jonnie Brull of Mishicot, WI, Nola Cottom of Austin, James Henson, Jr. of Round Rock, William Henson of Austin, and Mary Perrone of Georgetown; ten grandchildren; three step-grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Killeen. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, at the First Baptist Church of Killeen. Interment will follow at Killeen City Cemetery with military and Masonic services. Please visit www.crawfordbowerfuneralhome.com for online tributes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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February 24, 2017

Vickie Buckwalter posted to the memorial.

February 19, 2017

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February 17, 2017

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5 Entries

Vickie Buckwalter

February 24, 2017

My husband and I met James & Janell Labor Day Weekend a number of years ago in Bandera TX. We owned the stagecoach and were there giving rides. I assisted James & Janell on the coach and my husband drove them off for a leisure ride around the courthouse. There was something about this couple that struck me. We've given rides to thousands of people over the course of 10 years and James & Janell were just special. They rode the coach each year we were in Bandera and when we stopped Bandera and went to Llano they came there to ride the stagecoach. His last ride with us in Llano was difficult for him to get in the coach, but get in he did, on his own. We've since sold the coach and to keep our memories alive, I've made a Memory Quilt with pictures of places and people we've met with the stagecoach. I could only put 30 pictures on the quilt and the one of James & Janell standing in front of the coach in Bandera (same picture that is shown on this site) is on our quilt. Both James & Janell left an impression on me. May God Bless Janell and the family of James Henson Sr. Thank YOU for the memory.
Vickie & Ben Buckwalter
Anna TX

February 19, 2017

So sorry for your loss, Janell. Our love & prayers, God Bless, Lloyd & Nettie Boales

February 17, 2017

Dear Janell and family,

Jim was such a unique man. We know he will be missed by all of his family. But may all the 100 years of life's memories live on in each of you.
May God give you comfort in all the days to come.

Our deepest sympathy and love,

Gary & Becky Stephenson
Skyline Baptist Church friends

RICHARD RIGBY

February 15, 2017

S SORRY TO HEAR OF JIM'S PASSING I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF SERVING WITH HIM AS I RETIRED IN 1978. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH HIS FAIY

Gloria and John Cross

February 15, 2017

It was such a treat to hear Jim reminence about his long and colorful military career and when he shared his life with the Smart Cajuns, we all listened spellbound. So, it is with a heavy heart that we hear his life has come to an end on this earth. We are sorry for your loss, but we know he has moved on to new adventures. Take care Janell.

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Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home - Killeen

1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, TX 76542-1654

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February 24, 2017

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