James 'Jim' Randell Henry

Thursday, March 8, 2012

April 10, 1938 - March 7, 2012

SEWARD, Nebraska -- James Randell (Jim) Henry died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at his home after a year and a half battle with leukemia.

Jim was born on April 10, 1938 in Rosebud, Arkansas to Sam and Delsa Henry and grew up in that general area. He pulled many a cotton sack when he was a very small boy. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Keenesburg, Colorado where Jim worked with his dad and brother as farm hands for several different farm owners.

When Jim graduated from Keenesburg High School, he went to Denver, Colorado and was employed at Martin-Marietta Corporation at a missile base. It was during this time that he met Karen Burgeson who had just graduated from Central Business College.

Jim and Karen were married on Sept. 27, 1963. Two years later they moved to Holdrege, Nebraska to start their family. Their daughter, Amy, was born Aug. 6, 1967. They moved to McCook in May of 1970 and daughters Carrie and Malinda were born on June 1, 1970. Eighteen months later a son, Travis, was born on Dec. 12, 1971.

Jim had many interesting jobs over the next several years and was hired at the age of 40 by the McCook Police Department. Because of his age Jim had a maturity that very quickly became invaluable. His boss said Jim had a "calming effect" in many stressful situations. He was well-read in law matters and was admired by his fellow officers for his knowledge and work ethic. Jim treated everyone with whom he came in contact with the same patience and respect.

Following Jim's retirement from the police department, Jim and Karen moved from McCook to Missouri Valley, Iowa, in October of 2007. Jim helped their son-in-law on the farm and Karen helped daughter Carrie in her New York Life office.

In 2008, daughter Malinda came home from Brazil with her 18 month old son, Justice. Jim and Karen became full-time grandparents. What a joy!

In August of 2010, Jim and Karen moved to Seward, Nebraska to retire (again). In October of 2010 Jim was diagnosed with a fast growing leukemia and immediately underwent chemotherapy. For the next 18 months Jim battled his illness with courage, humor and determination. Leukemia took his body, but it could not take his spirit. He became a favorite with all the nurses and enjoyed telling them his corny jokes.

God was very merciful to Jim. Although he will be sorely missed, he will live on in all his stories and in our memories.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2 -- 8 p.m. at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Monday, March 12, 2012, at McCook Christian Church at 11 a.m. with Pastor Clark Bates officiating.

Visit our website at carpenterbreland.com to extend condolences. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.