James Morris Henderson

James Morris Henderson, 92, of Wimberley and formerly of Llano, died Jan. 11, 2012, at Seton/Kyle Hospital in Kyle after a brief illness. He was born Nov. 5, 1919, in the home of grandparents Juda C. and Ellen Redford Winkler on Willow Creek near Llano to James Horace Henderson and Imogene Redford Winkler.

He spent his formative years on the family ranch in Llano County where he developed a lifelong love of the land. After graduating from Llano High School, he attended Texas A&M University in College Station.

In the summer of 1942, he enlisted in the Navy. He received his civilian flight training at Shriner’s Field in Kerrville and later took Navy flight training in Kansas and Southern California. During World War II, he was a co-pilot of a modified version of the B24 called the Liberator. He served in the Asiatic Pacific campaign, the Philippines and the American Campaign. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with four Gold Star Attachments, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Star Attachments, the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. The plane’s insignia was “Wolverines.” The pilot of the PBY106 was Joe Huber, who became a cherished lifelong friend.

While he was serving in the South Pacific, his father had trouble sleeping at night, afraid his only son would not return from the war. One day, his father was plowing the field when a military plane flew over, low in the sky. The pilot tipped his wing as he flew over him. From that moment on, his father slept soundly, convinced his son would safely return.

After his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Texas, where he met and married Dorothy Lee Haberer on July 25, 1947. They had a son.

The couple lived on a ranch in Llano until 2001, when they retired to Wimberley. He was employed by the U.S. Post Office in Llano from 1955 to 1980.

During his years in Llano, he farmed, raised goats and cattle and was one of the first to introduce improved grasses such as willman love grass to the area. He was a member of the Llano County Soil Conservation District, a board member of the Llano Memorial Hospital and a devoted member and deacon in Valley Springs Primitive Baptist Church.

There was elegance to this humble man, who loved living in the country, farming, fishing, hunting and sharing the bounty of his large garden with his neighbors. He was a Texas history buff and was very interested in genealogy. The Redford branch of his family settled in Texas as early as 1848.

In addition to his wife of 64 years, survivors include son Jim Henderson and wife Gene of Wimberley; four step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters Geraldine Jordan and Inell Henderson.

A service was Jan. 16 at Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne Funeral Home, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300, with Larry Hausenfluke officiating. Burial followed in Llano City Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Larry Bush, Jimmy Shook, Gene Scott, Harold Scott, Eddie Henderson and Jim Ike Dodson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 5666, Valley Spring, TX 76885.

Condolences may be sent to whhfuneral1@verizon.net or made at www.whhfuneralhome.com.