James W. Henderson Major General (Retired) of Newberry died Wednesday at his residence. He was born in Saluda County on November 16 1918 a son of the late A. Thomas and Pearl Koon Henderson. He attended Newberry County Schools and graduated from Newberry College with Honors in 1940. He did post graduated work at Biarritz American University in Biarritz France. In addition he attended Officer Candidate School at Camp Davis in Wilmington NC; the Air Defense Artillery Basic and Advanced Courses; the Command and General Staff College and the Infantry Brigade Staff Officer Refresher Course. Prior to joining the U.S. Army in February of 1941 MG (R) Henderson was a public school teacher at Stoney Hill High School. During World War II he served in the European Theater 9th Infantry Division and participated in the invasion of Omaha Beach D and Z. He rose to the rank of Major during his combat service. Following World War II he joined the S.C. National Guard and became a Battery Commander of the Newberry Unit. Later he commanded the 1st Automatic Weapons Battalion (SP) of the 263rd Artillery Brigade. As a General Officer he also commanded the 2nd Brigade 30th Infantry Division. He was appointed S.C. Adjutant General in 1971 holding that position until 1979. Gen. Henderson was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a Brigadier General and upon retirement was promoted to Major General by the State of S.C. Among his military awards are the Legion of Merit Bronze Star Medal American Defense Medal American Campaign Medal European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign with 5 stars World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal and the South Carolina Active State Service Medal (35 years). MG (R) Hendersons civil employment includes the U.S. Employment Service; Superintendant of Newberry County Hospital where he generated a profit during his tenure; Manager of Murray Lumber Newberry Lumber Company Newberry Wood Chips and Helena Lumber Company. He was also a part-time farmer growing grain soybeans and beef cattle; owner of Newberry Grain Elevator; and President of Newberry Feed and Farm Center Inc. an organization formed with seven other stock holders. He was active in church and civic activities as well. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church where he served and chaired numerous committees; member of We The People of Newberry County; the S.C. Farm Bureau the S.C. National Guard Association the American Legion the S. C. Forestry Commission (County Board) and member and past president of Newberry Kiwanis Club. MG (R) Henderson is survived by his wife of 70 years Mary Nobles Henderson; two sons and their spouses Dr. James Warren Henderson Jr. (Mary Gayle) retired dentist Lancaster S.C. and L. Thomas Henderson (Roberta) forestry consultant Newberry S.C.; daughter-in law Kendyl Griffith of Newberry S.C.; grandchildren and spouses L. T. Henderson Jr. (Brandon) of Knoxville TN Dr. Holly H. Geiger (Douglas) of Lancaster Ren Henderson of Newberry and Lane G. Henderson of Newberry. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son John Michael Henderson an infant son and his sister Tillie Henderson Allen. Funeral services were held on Saturday at 2:00 P.M. at Central United Methodist Church by the Rev. Karen Radcliffe and the Rev. Mitchell Houston. Burial with military honors did follow at Rosemont Cemetery. The family did receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. Pallbearers were nephews Skip Nobles Hayne Folk Wayne Folk David Folk Dr. John Nobles and Gary Nobles. Honorary pallbearer was Col. (R) Gene Amick. Memorials are suggested by the family to Central United Methodist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 67 Newberry S.C. 29108. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the following: Genell Dominick Dorothy Gladney Rose Baxter B.J. Ruff Johnnie Mae Baxter Dorothy Werts (deceased) nurses of Tri County Hospice and Dr. Alan Paysinger. On line condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.