James Louis Henderson Sr.

James Louis Henderson Sr. was born on March 17, 1952, in Leland, Mississippi, and passed away on March 11, 2026, in Riverside, California, at the age of 73. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lillie B. Henderson and Mack R. Henderson.

James Sr. attended Roosevelt Elementary, Our Victory Academy, Logan Junior High School in Waterloo, lowa, and Franklin Junior High School in Des Moires, Iowa, where he spent one semester as an exchange student. He was a proud 1970 graduate of East Waterioo High School. James Sr. received a full athletic scholarship to lowa State University, where he participated in both track and field and football. After graduating from lowa State University in Ames, lowa, in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, he obtained his teaching certification and pursued a career teaching government, history, and sociology, in addition to earning a coaching endorsement.

In 1975, James Sr. attended Drake Law School, where he completed 30 semester hours while pursuing his aspiration of becoming an FBl agent. At the time, a law degree was required to become an FBI agent. In 1999, James Sr. earned a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, California.

James Sr. was employed by the Riverside County Parks Department and later by the Riverside Unified School District, where he taught at John W. North High School for 22 years. His community service included serving as Vice President of the NAACP from 1980 to 1988 and President of the University East Optimist Club from 1991 to 1993.

A government savant, sports enthusiast, and lifelong advocate for education, he lived with fortitude, kindness, and wisdom. James was known for his loyalty, integrity, and ingenuity.

James Sr. married Vivian Whitney in 1972, and she survives him, along with his two daughters, Stacy A. Cole Henderson and Kyra (Edward) Forney; their son, James Louis Henderson Jr.; seven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters, Davonna Henderson of Waterloo, Iowa, Subrena Roberts of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Margaret Henderson of Memphis, Tennessee; his four brothers, Mack R. Henderson Jr. of Waterloo, lowa, and David Henderson, Michael Henderson, and Jonathan Henderson, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and his aunt, Janie Mae Montgomery of Waterloo, lowa.

James Sr. was preceded in death by his sisters, Betty Jones, Debrah Henderson, Beverly Henderson, and Ms. Mose Marie; his grandmother, Bessie M. Mills; his aunt, Willie Bailey; his uncle, James Mills Jr.; his nephew, DeCarlos Henderson; and his niece, Shantel (Chanel) Jones.

James Sr. created a legacy of resilience, service, and devotion to family that will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. A private Celebration of Life will be held at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary on July 10, 2026, in Riverside, California.

A Reception will be held at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, Willow Center 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, California 92505, on July 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, followed by a Memorial Service at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, Willow Center, 11500 Arlington Ave, Riverside, California 92505, on July 10, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.