James Jim R. Henderson

After 98 wonderful years, James R. (Jim) Henderson left this life. James died September 21, 2011. He was born August 1, 1913 in Byers Texas to Weldon David Henderson and Bertha Harding Henderson. He was the fifth of six children born to the Hendersons.

After attending the Kansas City School of Embalming he moved to Oklahoma City and became a mortician. He worked in the Oklahoma City area for over 60 years. In May of 1944, he married Lee Stewart and they had two children, Lou Anne Mercer and Dana Moore, both of Oklahoma City.

After retiring from the funeral business, James could be found in his “dog house” in the backyard of the home. He was a master craftsman and loved to do things with his hands. He made and repaired furniture, grew tomatoes and other vegetables in a backyard garden, shelled pecans and watched his OU Sooners play football.

James loved his family very much and he was loved very much by his family. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lee Henderson, daughters Lou Anne and husband Paul Mercer and Dana and Kevin Moore all of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by grandchildren Steve and Monica Mercer, Sherri and Brent Stephens, Meghan, Mitchell, Marshall and Michael Moore and six great-grandchildren; Josie, Josh and Jace Vinyard and Blake, Will and Emily Mercer. He also leaves behind his younger sister Elizabeth Shaw of Wichita Falls, TX along with many nieces and nephews.

Many thanks go to the Quality Life Hospice friends, especially Rikki who made certain that our dad was always happy and comfortable and also Tiara who loved and cared for him and made sure that his hair was always combed. Thank you to St. Ann’s Nursing Home and the people of Quail Creek Nursing Home who loved and cared for him when we couldn’t be there. Thanks for your care and concern. It did not go unnoticed.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Jim will be happily remembered in a memorial service on Friday, September 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery, 7500 W. Britton Rd, OKC, OK. Love you Pops.