In Loving Memory of James Leroy “Jim” Henderson

With profound sadness, but with the hope found in Jesus Christ, we share that James LeRoy “Jim” Henderson entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on July 28, 2026, at the age of 73, after a brief but aggressive battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Jim was born on October 27, 1952, in Inglewood, California, to Myrtle Louise Henderson and C.B. “Bill” Henderson. He graduated from Hawthorne High School, attended El Camino College and graduated from the University of Southern California, where he became a lifelong USC Trojans fan. For more than two decades, he and Wendy were proud USC Cardinal & Gold members, and traveled to countless bowl games and national championship games to cheer on the Trojans.

Music was woven throughout Jim’s life. He played in several bands over the years, including The Merry-Go-Round and Dovie Modean. Whether playing music or listening to it, it remained one of the great joys of his life.

In 1985, Jim met Wendy at the Peppermill in Reno, Nevada. Both had moved from California to Reno, and what began as an easy conversation about home quickly became an enduring friendship. That friendship became a love story that lasted 42 years, with nearly 40 years of marriage. Jim and Wendy were married on January 9, 1987, and began building their family in Reno, where they welcomed their two sons, James Blake Henderson and Joshua Edward Henderson.

The family later moved to Bakersfield, California, where Jim built a career as a respected residential real estate appraiser, earning the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.

Jim and Wendy loved riding their Harley-Davidsons together and made unforgettable memories including riding from Bakersfield to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with close friends and to Shreveport, Louisiana with their son Josh.

One of Jim’s greatest joys was surprising Wendy every year for their anniversary. He never told her where they were going. Sometimes it was simply dinner in another town. Sometimes it was an overnight getaway. He would only tell her what to pack, making each anniversary an adventure. It became one of the traditions that defined their marriage and perfectly reflected the thoughtful, generous way Jim loved his wife.

Jim and Wendy moved to Lakeland, FL when Jim was called to pastor The Lakeland Church. His faith was the foundation of his life, and what he preached. God always came first. Everyone who knew Jim saw his genuine love for the Lord reflected in the way he loved and cared for others.

Jim never met a stranger. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor, his kind heart, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. He loved music, USC football, traveling and making memories with Wendy, and their dogs Gibson & Aja. He loved spending time with his boys, was deeply proud of the men they became, and would do anything for his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Myrtle Louise Henderson and C.B. “Bill” Henderson, and by his sister, Patricia Froom. He is survived by his beloved wife, Wendy Henderson; his sons, James Blake Henderson, currently serving on active duty in the United States Navy, and Josh Henderson and his wife, Hannah, of Nashville, Tennessee; his niece, Jennifer Froom-Jarvis and her family, church members and countless friends, former colleagues, and extended family whose lives were forever touched by his kindness, humor, friendship, and unwavering faith.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The American Cancer Society.

While our hearts are broken beyond words, we do not grieve without hope. Jim’s body grew weary, but his faith never did. Today he is healed, whole, and home with the Savior he faithfully loved and served all the days of his life.