REFERENCE TITLE: James Henderson; death resolution

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-sixth Legislature

First Regular Session

2023

SCR 1020

Introduced by

Senators Hatathlie: Borrelli, Diaz, Epstein, Fernandez, Gabaldón, Gonzales, Hernandez, Kavanagh, Marsh, Mendez, Miranda, Rogers, Terán; Representatives Peshlakai, Tsosie

A Concurrent Resolution

on the death of the honorable james henderson, jr.

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The Honorable James Henderson, Jr. passed away on December 30, 2022 in Gallup, New Mexico, at the age of 80.

Born on May 15, 1942 in Ganado, Arizona, James Henderson, Jr. was a member of the Navajo Nation who spent his life in service to his community and the Navajo people. After graduating from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, in 1963, he was drafted into the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. He was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in battle.

After being honorably discharged from the service, James Henderson, Jr. attended Utah State University then embarked on his career in public service, working for the Arizona Department of Economic Security and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. He also served the Navajo Nation as the Director of Range Management and the Director of Tribal Legislative Affairs, and he served as the national commander for the Navajo Nation's veterans' organization. In all, James Henderson, Jr. served as a dedicated and effective employee of the Navajo Nation or 30 years.  In 1985 James Henderson, Jr. was elected to serve as a member of the Arizona State Senate, and throughout his seven terms of legislative service, he served the constituents of district 3 with dedication and tenacity. He was known as a strong advocate for veterans, including at the national level, as well as for elderly individuals and youth. Senator Henderson earned the well-deserved reputation as a conscientious and effective public servant and was respected by his peers on both sides of the political aisle.

James Henderson, Jr. will be greatly missed by his wife, Elaine, his sister, Marcella, his sons and daughters, his many children and great-grandchildren, and the citizens of the Navajo Nation and the State of Arizona.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the Members of the Legislature express their sympathies at the passing of Senator James Henderson, Jr. and extend their condolences to his surviving family members.