James W. Henry, Jr. was born in Bryan, Texas in 1924. As a 16 year old he graduated from Hearne High School and enrolled in Texas A&M University in September 1941 where he also simultaneously enrolled in the Army ROTC Program through the university. His intention was to major in engineering at the prestigious university, but fate would push him in a different direction before his time in the military was over. In 1943, at the age of 19, he was whisked away from A&M to be inducted into the U.S. Army at Camp Beauregard, LA and then assigned back to "student training" at A&M in late 1943. James was transferred to Field Artillery OCS in March of 1944 and then on to Infantry OCS at Ft. Benning, GA where he graduated as a 2nd Lt. in September 1944. Lt. Henry was transferred to U.S. Army 86th Infantry Division at Camp San Luis Obispo where he completed Amphibious Training. Lt. Henry's division was moved to the front in Cologne, Germany where he would serve as 1st Rifle Platoon Leader, Company A, 342nd Infantry Battalion, 86th Division, known as the Blackhawk Division. In 1944, Lt. Henry's men were conducting a nighttime recon operation on the occupied side of the Rhine River. During this operation, one of Lt. Henry's men was inadvertently shot and killed by "friendly fire" in the dark and dangerous conditions on the occupied side of the Rhine River. It was at this time Lt. Henry realized the frustrations of being helpless at saving the young man's life. This was the first time he began to change his outlook on what he wanted in life and his future education. Lt. James W. Henry, Jr. participated in 3 combat crossings of the Rhine River into occupied Germany, as well 1 combat crossing of the Danube River. On April 25, 1945, Lt. Henry was shot 4 times by machine gun fire in a residential area in Indlestadt, Germany. As Lt. Henry and his men were clearing the streets of this small village, Lt. Henry was shot twice in the neck and twice in the left leg from an elevated sniper position. A German soldier actually dragged Lt. Henry out of the street and secured him behind a brick wall where he could be recovered by his men. This was the final event that would change his life forever. Lt. Henry spent 13 months in various hospitals, including 6 months in traction in a hospital in Paris, France. During his time in Paris, he became convinced when he got back home, he was going to finish his education, but change his major to medicine. After being released from active duty in July of 1946, James Henry finished his pre-med undergraduate education at Texas A&M University and then went on to medical school at U.T. at Galveston. He re-enlisted in the U.S. Army and was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served as an Army Doctor until 1954 when he was finally and honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. Dr. James W. Henry, Jr. was decorated with the Bronze Star and received a Purple Heart for his actions and service in Germany during WWII. He practiced medicine in Garland, TX for 52 years and was Board Certified in Family Practice. James Warren Henry, Jr. was truly a proud member of the "greatest generation", and it is people like him who made this country strong. The world will be a different place without Jimbo, or "Old Hoppy," as some of his family called him. In addition to his distinguished military career and life-long commitment to medicine, Dr. Henry was a very dedicated husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, friend and companion to his dear wife Mary Ann, affectionately known as "Mamaw!" Jim and Mamaw were a team, as a couple, as hunting buddies, as fishing buddies and as life partners. Together they were strong. Without Jim in her life Mamaw will continue to be strong--simply because she shared him in her life and for the great times they "lived" together. Mamaw and Jim had the opportunity to do many things together in life, from traveling the world, catching fish from all far-points of the earth, hunting every kind of domestic game in the region, sleeping in the back of the Suburban, cooking meals in a cold, wet campsite, Goose Hunting in Illinois, quail hunting in South and West Texas, Dove Hunting at "Weinert's Ranch," loving and cherishing their loyal bird dogs for so many years, enjoying and raising their families, as well as their grandchildren, and simply celebrating life to the fullest. The world is a safer place today, because of James Henry, Jr. Additionally, as an "old school" doctor, Jim practiced medicine from his heart, with compassion and a depth of commitment only comprehensible by that greatest generation. Dr. James W. Henry was a true professional and dedicated to his life's work. All who knew him, loved him and learned from him. God speed Hoppy, we will miss you. Your Loving Family