James “Jim” Edward Henson, 80, of McLoud, Oklahoma, passed away on October 08, 2023, in Newella, Oklahoma. Jim was born to Hosie Loftin Henson and Beatrice Metheny Smith on May 25, 1943, in Fern Creek, Kentucky. He was a proud Air Force veteran, joining when he was only 17. He served as a jet engine mechanic and worked at Tinker Field. Jim loved his country and was honored to serve. He would eventually start a truck driving career and retire from Yellow Freight after 30 years. He would retire with 3,000,000 plus miles and an accident-free, injury-free run. He was a family man, a loving father, and a proud papa. Jim also loved his siblings dearly. Jim took in family he didn’t have to, offering love and guidance to them all. He had strong morals and taught his children never to lie, cheat, or steal. He never met a stranger and always had a story; they were the best stories, the ones where you did slow down and take the time to listen to them. If you didn’t have a smile on your face, he’d give you his. He loved to laugh and tell jokes. He was a momma’s boy, and even though his passing shatters our hearts, we are rejoicing that they have reunited again, and she is singing to him just like she did as a little boy.
Jim is survived by his children, Sherri Henson, Gary Turner, Joanna Turner, Vanessa Jantzen, and her husband Trenton Jantzen. Grandchildren: Ashleigh Clark, James Turner, Jared Rizkharati, Maisie Rizkharati, Robert Baysinger, Kenzie Baysinger. Great grandchildren: Jadyn Hodde, Jacelyn Hodde, Keaton Turner, Jordon Hodde, Kaden Turner, Millie Rizkharati. Siblings: Betty Copeland and Linda McAlister. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
Jim is preceded in death by his Great grandson Kyler Rizkharati; his mother, Beatrice Smith; his father, Hosie Henson; his brother, Herbert Henson; his sisters, Shirley Mattingly, Norma Harl, and Melba Poindexter.
Visitation will be from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 13, 2023, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw, OK. The family will greet the public from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in the Sequoyah Memorial Chapel at Forever Memories Funeral Services in Sallisaw, OK. Burial will follow at Akins Cemetery with Honors presented by the United States Air Force.
Pallbearers are James Ethan Turner, Jared Rizkharati, Robert Baysinger, Jarrard Copeland, Greg Copeland, and Roger McAlister.
Honorary Pallbearers are Gary Turner, Ray Randle, Nathaniel Copeland, Kenneth R. Copeland, Trenton Jantzen, Joshua Clark, and Jordon Hodde.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Forever Memories Funeral Services, INC.
