The Honorable J. Boyd Henson

Hon. J. Boyd Henson, 89, passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2007 surrounded by members of his loving family. Judge Henson made the City of White Plains his home for more than 40 years before retiring to Sarasota, Florida in 1990.

Born on November 13, 1918 in Piketon, Ohio, he later graduated from Rio Grande College and Ohio State University while also serving as an officer in the US Navy during World War II. He participated in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944. His destroyer, the USS Corry was sunk by a German mine off the coast of Utah Beach on D-Day.

After the war, Judge Henson graduated from New York University Law School and maintained a successful Law practice in White Plains for more than 35 years. He also served as White Plains City Judge for ten years. In 1974 he was asked to represent the Republican Party in the White Plains mayoral race.

Judge Henson also served as Counsel to the White Plains Housing Authority, Past President of the Westchester County Magistrates Association, Member of NYS Bar Association, Member of NYS Magistrates Association, Served as Vice President of the Westchester County Bar Association, Member White Plains Bar Association, YMCA Board of Directors, Law Guardian Advisory Committee, Republican City Committee, White Plains Lions Club and others. In 1974 he was asked to run for Mayor of the City of White Plains.

He was a member of Westchester Country Club and Westchester Hills Golf Club where he displayed his life long passion for Golf and Tennis.

Survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen (Lavin) Henson, their children, Laurel Mason (Malcolm) and James B. Henson (Ellen), and by his four wonderful grandchildren, Emily Mason, Caroline Mason, Cameron Mason and Thomas Henson. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Parker and Laura Henson and nine siblings: Noah, James, Dewey, Vivian, Charles, Margaret, Clarence, Homer and Calvin.