Jimmy Baron Henson

The Honorable Jimmy Baron Henson, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was born on July 6, 1951, to the late Rev. James Edger Henson and Dorothy Louise Henson. After a long illness, Mr. Henson peacefully went to meet his Lord and Savior.

Mr. Henson was a distinguished alumnus of Limestone College, The Palmetto Military Academy, and several other military institutions. He proudly served in the South Carolina National Guard for more than 20 years, both domestically and internationally, and retired with the rank of Colonel.

A dedicated public servant, Mr. Henson was elected as a councilman for the Town of Pacolet Mills and served as Mayor Pro Tem in 1980. In 1981, he was elected Mayor and faithfully served the community until 1995. Upon receiving his Magistrate Commission, he resigned as Mayor and began a 26-year tenure as a part-time Magistrate. During this time, he was also appointed Municipal Judge for Pacolet and Inman and served as an alternate Judge for the City of Spartanburg.

In addition to his military and civic service, Mr. Henson enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career with Milliken Research, where he earned more than 90 product patents. He worked in Washington, D.C., advocating for the passage of the Textile Reform Bill and was twice recognized by the textile industry and the Governor of South Carolina as one of the Top Ten People in the South Carolina Textile Industry.

Mr. Henson was deeply committed to his community. He served as both a member and the President of the Pacolet Jaycees and was widely respected as a civic leader. Above all, he was a devoted Christian and faithful member of Silica Springs Baptist Church for over 30 years. He had a heart for young people and dedicated many years to serving as a youth director in several local churches, mentoring and guiding countless families.

He was a loving husband to Deborah Jean Sherbert Henson and a proud father to Joshua B. Henson. He was blessed with a daughter-in-law, Julie Ann Shealy Henson, and a beloved grandson, Zackary Jerald Henson, whom he cherished deeply. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Louise Henson; his sister, Sherry Jett, and her husband, Ralph Jett, of Chesnee; many nieces and nephews; and his cherished fur companion, Bella.

Mr. Henson had a passion for speaking to youth groups, fishing, hunting, singing gospel music, and playing his harmonica. His life was marked by service, leadership, faith, and love for his family and community.

The family extends a special thank-you to Interim Hospice for its compassionate and dedicated care.

The family will receive friends at Browns Chapel Church (350 Green St., Pacolet Mills, SC 29373) on Sunday, February 15th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 16th, at 11:00 am, at 11:00 at Brown's Chapel Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Pacolet Memorial Gardens, 141 Memorial Drive, Pacolet, SC 29372. Services will be conducted by Rev. Ralph Jett and Military Honors will be presented by American Legion Post 28. Pallbearers will be Jacob Mobley, Will Thorton, Robert Ivey, Gary McNeeley, Jerry Birch, and Robert (Brian) Thorton. Honorary Pallbearers will be Dennis Wells and Jody Bailey. Burial will be with full Military Honors.

Mr. Henson’s legacy of faith, service, and dedication will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

Floyd’s North Church Street Chapel