Percy James "Jim" Henry

Percy James “Jim” Henry, 82, was called home to be with the Lord on September 11, 2024. A celebration of life was held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. at First Evangelical Church, Memphis, Tennessee.

Jim was born on May 29, 1942, to the late Elizabeth and PJ Henry. He grew up in Arlington, Tennessee and was the oldest of two children. He was a graduate of Bolton High School in 1960 and was a 4-year letterman in baseball, 3-year letterman in basketball, senior class president and voted “Mr. Bolton” by his peers. He then continued his educational journey with a bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and where he met his future wife.

Jim married the love of his life, Joan Harris, on September 1, 1962, and they settled in the Town of Arlington where they would later raise their two children, Tracey and Stephen. It was during this time that he continued his education by obtaining a master’s degree from Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking. This paved the way for his 44-year career as a community banker at Oakland Deposit Bank. During his banking career, he was President of the Tennessee Young Bankers Association as well as an insurance agent for 50+ years. He was an influential member of the Arlington community, serving as Alderman (1975-1987) and as Mayor (1987-1991). He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing men’s and mixed doubles with his wife and friends. He also served as President of The Racquet Club of Memphis in the 1970s. 

He spent his life dedicated to his family, friends and serving his church, First Evangelical Church of Memphis. He was passionate about sharing the love of Jesus Christ with others and was an integral part of First Evangelical Church, serving as Chairman of the Deacons, Elders and Mission Board. He also served as Chairman of Memphis Leadership Foundation.

During his retirement years, Jim remained a devoted member of the community and continued to serve his church and others through local ministries. He became an official staff member of First Evangelical Church in the elder-care ministry department and was involved in numerous organizations across the City of Memphis that were near and dear to his heart. He was Chairman of For the Kingdom camp and volunteered weekly for MIFA Meals on Wheels. In addition to delivering meals, he baked cookies for the Meals on Wheels recipients as well as the Forgiveness House, which is a faith-based transitional halfway house in Memphis. 

In addition to his life’s accomplishments, perhaps his greatest was that of a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He appreciated the simple things in life and loved nothing more than for his family to be together. He was always present and never missed an event for his children and grandchildren and was affectionately known to all as “Pop.” He enjoyed watching the sunset from the patio of the Hidden Dunes beach condo, playing golf and attending Memphis Tigers sporting events.

While he is no longer with us today, we find comfort in knowing that he is in the presence of Jesus, and we look forward to the day when we see him again. It was a privilege and an honor to know and share our lives with him. He is survived by his wife, Joan Henry; his daughter, Tracey (George) Bravos; his son, Stephen (Lee) Henry; his grandchildren, Nicholas (Lauren) Bravos, Kathryn (Drew) Daniel, Sarah (Robert) Gage, Anne Harris (Reed) Hylander, Claire Henry, and Elizabeth Henry; and his great-grandchildren, Brooks Bravos, Reese Daniel, and Blake Bravos. He is also survived by his sister, Julia (Gene) Archer; his sister-in-law, Susan (Rod) Brewer; his nieces and nephew; and many dear friends. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Evangelical Church Mission Fund, 735 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38120, or to MIFA, c/o Development Office, 910 Vance Avenue, Memphis, TN 38126.

We praise God that Jim’s faith is now SIGHT!