Obituary of James-Allen Henson

HENSON James Allen Henson, Sr., 87, of Jacksonville, FL at the Carriage Club formerly of Waycross died Thursday morning (August 18, 2011) at Regents Park of Jacksonville after an extended illness. He was born in Copperhill, TN to the late George Frank and Neppie Mae Pruitt Henson, Sr. Mr. Henson was a 1950 graduate of the University of Georgia where he received his Masters Degree in Forestry. He lived in Waycross for 49 years where he retired from the Georgia Forestry Commission and also served as Civil Defense Director and as a Deputy Sheriff and moved to Jacksonville 3 years ago. Mr. Henson was a member of the Church of Christ. Mr. Henson served his country in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. During WWII he was Lt. Commander in the Navy and served off of two aircraft carriers, USS Savo Island and USS Mandikikais and flew TBM Avenger. During his time in the military he received the Florida Cross, WWII Victory Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Gold Wings Naval Aviator, Silver Wings US Army Aviator, Master Aviator and Helicopter pilot. Mr. Henson was a Charter Member of the Waycross Lions Club, Society of American Foresters, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Charter Member of Captain John Collins Chapter of Sons of the American Revolution, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and the Okefenokee Retired Officers Association. Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Colleen Bailey Henson, Jacksonville, FL at the Carriage Club; two sons, J. Allen Henson, Jr. DDS and his wife Kathy B. Henson, Marietta, GA, Joel T. Henson and his wife Debbie Henson, Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren Anna, Jimmy and Jessica Henson. A funeral service will be held Saturday afternoon at 4 pm at the Miles-Odum Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 2 4 pm at the funeral home. Sympathy may be expressed online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com. Miles-Odum Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com