The CCNA Family and our city mourns the loss of local attorney and Alexandria Living Legend, James Henson, Sr., a longtime friend, whose many accomplishments continued his family’s historic contributions to the community and to the world. We thank him for his legacy of service.
Known for his “too blessed to be stressed” mantra, Jim served as mentor and advisor to many CCNA initiatives.” He was a great source of guidance and inspiration for us as we launched CCNA in 2009,” stated Gwendolyn H. Lewis, CCNA Founder and fellow Living Legend.
He was the first African American to serve as Howard County’s Assistant Solicitor. In addition, he co-founded an association for Black lawyers in Howard County, Maryland. He was also deputy director of Maryland’s Commission on Human Rights. “Dear to me,” he said, “is the value of coalitions. Together, the government and citizens can accomplish anything.”
Mentored by the late, Honorable Ferdinand T. Day, Jim followed that tradition and mentored City Councilman John Chapman and many others. “A big loss to this community. As an Alexandria Living Legend and member of the Alexandria Departmental Progressive Club, he was essential to the keeping of African American history. He reminded me of that old term, Griot, for he always had a story about old time Alexandria and the people who built this city. I will miss him,” said Chapman.
He was admired and respected throughout the region. “I loved Jim Henson’s enthusiasm and kindness. He brightened my day whenever I saw him,” stated , Janet Barnett, Board Member, Alexandria Living Legends. Similar sentiments echoed from a host of friends, to include long time mentee, James Lightfoot. “Jim Henson challenged us to move away from the status quo and make change. He was always in good trouble.”
Jim taught business law at Morgan State University and at Howard Community College. Prior to his law career, Jim served in the U. S. Air Force for 20 years.
Born into a famous family, Jim’s great uncle, Matthew Henson co-discovered the North Pole in 1909 and another relative, Rev. Josiah Henson, was the runaway slave whose early life was depicted in the classic book, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” “Jim was a great source of pride for our family,” stated his cousin, Rick Wanzer, owner, Another Level Hair & Beauty Salon.
Longtime friend and mentee, Erika Miller, Partner, Isaacson, Miller, stated, “what an exceptional life to celebrate.”
Jim’s home on South Pitt Street for many years, sits on land that once housed the Snowden School for Colored Boys (1867-1916). It was an inheritance from his aunt, whose father and brothers attended Snowden.
Born in Alexandria in 1936, Jim served as president of Alexandria’s Departmental Progressive Club and was a founder and president of the Parker-Gray School’s Alumni Association. He co-authored the book, “African Americans of Alexandria, Virginia: Beacons of Light in the Twentieth Century. “
“Jim was a brother, a confidant, a leader and a soul mate. Our community will miss him”, stated Gwendolyn Day Fuller, Former CCNA Board Chair and lifelong friend.
In recognition of all his accomplishments, James Henson Sr. was named Alexandria’s 2019 Living Legend. Jim died December 13, 2020. He was 84.