Jim Henderson, age 81, passed away on March 21, 2026.

Jim Henderson (Arvle James Henderson Jr.) 1944-2026

Arvle James Henderson Jr of Branson Missouri, known to all his family and friends as Jim or Jimmy, entered Heaven’s gates on Saturday March 21st, 2026, at the age of 81.

Dad was born July 25th, 1944, In Magnolia Arkansas. Dad had an early love for music, and a family member taught him his first chords on the guitar. His talent blossomed and he started playing with some friends and later created a band called The Pacemakers. The group even entered a talent contest in Little Rock Arkansas. Ricky Nelson was the prime entertainment that day. Dad always told the story of a mishap that turned into a great experience on stage. During the performance at the talent contest, his guitar strap broke and the guitar fell onto the stage and bounced. He caught it on the rebound and kept on playing and the crowd went wild thinking it was done on purpose. 

Dad wore many hats literally and figuratively. He spent part of his early childhood with his parents and siblings as migrant farm workers in the cotton fields of Northeastern Arkansas near Tomato AR, on the banks of the Mississippi River. His career later consisted of many different jobs that included farming, U.S. Army, Painting Helper/Sign Painter at the Army Ammunition Plant, Minden LA, Service Advisor/Coordinator at Chevyland in Shreveport LA and ultimately, the owner and operator of Henderson Signs of Minden LA and Branson MO. Dad bought the previous company, Minden Signs in Minden Louisiana in 1977 and Henderson Signs was born. That career and business lasted 48 years until the end of 2025. Henderson Signs was located in Minden LA from 1977 until 1989 when the business was moved to Branson MO.

Dad’s music ventures included playing in church services, at home in his own studio, with friends, on stage at various events and at friends’ homes.

His love of fishing was equal to music. Dad didn’t just go fishing, he always told me he went catching. When the fishing was prime, Dad was on the water catching or at least trying.

Dad’s other hobbies included car racing, including dirt or asphalt, in person or on TV and doing outdoor projects at home and landscaping their yard.

He was a faithful member of Faith and Wisdom church in Branson Missouri and had many, many friends there. He always put God first in everything he did. His love and faith in Jesus was always solid as was his sharing the Word of God. 

So, you can see he did indeed wear many hats. Musician, Fisherman, Business owner, Deacon, Elder, Race fan, Sign Designer, Husband, Brother, Friend, Uncle, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. But to me the greatest of all was “Dad”. 

Jim was previously married to Carrol Cooper, and a son, Marty Henderson came into existence. After a few years, they decided the marriage wouldn’t work as expected but they remained friends.

Several years later, while Dad was the service advisor at Chevyland, Sheila Owen came into the dealership to have her car serviced. He came out with a big smile and said, “Can I help you ma’am?” And handed his card to her. He had never given anyone his card before. What she really did was find her soulmate for the rest of Dad’s life - 52 years of marriage and business partner. 

Dad was preceded in death by his Grandparents. Mother, Nora Almand Henderson. Father, Arvle James Henderson Sr. Sister, Linda Henderson Marlar. All of McNeil Arkansas.

Dad is survived by his loving and loyal wife of 52 years, Sheila Anne Owen Henderson of Branson MO. Brother, Jerry Henderson (Nancy) of Waldo AR. Sister, Rose Maples (Robert) of Sarepta LA. Son, Marty Henderson (Denise) of Emerson AR. Grandson, Wyatt Henderson (Ashley) of Waldo AR. Granddaughter, Karaline Tripp (Joey) of Lewisville AR.  Great Grandsons, Hoytt, Hagan and Halan Henderson of Waldo AR. Great Granddaughter, Josie Tripp of Lewisville AR. And a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Faith and Wisdom Church in Branson Missouri on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 10:00 am.

 Arrangements are in the care of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.