TO CONGRATULATE THE HONORABLE JIMMY B. HENSON UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT, TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE TOWN OF PACOLET, TO SPARTANBURG COUNTY, AND TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, AND TO WISH HIM MUCH HAPPINESS AND FULFILLMENT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate are pleased to recognize Judge Jimmy B. Henson upon the occasion of his retirement on June 30, 2021; and
Whereas, a native of Spartanburg, Judge Henson was born on July 6, 1951 to parents Louise Henson and Reverend James E. Henson. He is an alumnus of Limestone College, the Palmetto Military Academy, and a number of other military schools; and
Whereas, a veteran of the South Carolina National Guard, he served for over twenty years at home and abroad and ultimately retired as a colonel; and
Whereas, Judge Henson was elected as a councilman for the Town of Pacolet. He served as mayor pro tempore of Pacolet in 1980, and in 1981, he was elected mayor. Judge Henson served as mayor until 1995, when he resigned upon receiving his magistrate's commission; and
Whereas, Judge Henson served as a part-time magistrate for twenty-six years. During this time, he was appointed a municipal judge for Pacolet and Inman, as well as alternate judge for Spartanburg; and
Whereas, Judge Henson also worked for Milliken Research for thirty years, where he obtained over ninety product patents. He worked in Washington, D.C. on the passage of the Textile Reform Bill and has been recognized twice by the textile industry and the Governor as among the top ten people in South Carolina's textile industry; and
Whereas, a civic leader, he served as a member and president of the Pacolet Jaycees; and
Whereas, a devout Christian, Judge Henson is a member of Hammett Grove Baptist Church. For over thirty years, he has worked closely with young people and parents as a youth director in several local community churches; and
Whereas, Judge Henson is married to Deborah Jean Sherbert. He has one son, Joshua B. Henson; a daughter-in law, Kimberly Hood Henson; and one grandson, Zach Henson; and
Whereas, in his free time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, singing, and playing the harmonica. As an enthusiast of his community's rich history, he also collects historical material, gives talks, and writes stories based upon his experience; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate greatly appreciate the dedication and commitment that Judge Henson has shown in serving the people and the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, congratulate Judge Jimmy B. Henson upon the occasion of his retirement, commend him for his many years of dedicated service to the Town of Pacolet, to Spartanburg County, and to the State of South Carolina, and wish him much happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Jimmy B. Henson.