STERLING – James D. Henson, 69, of Sterling died Thursday, March 10, 2010, at his home. He was a self-employed painter for more than 30 years.

Mr. Henson was born Oct. 15, 1941, in Centralia, the son of Donald Eugene and Flora Marie (Marcum) Henson.

He married Darlene Propheter on April 29, 1976, in Sterling.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Carol (Walter) Camper of Tampico, Tammy (Jack) Henson of Rock Falls, and Sara (Dustin) Piehler of Broken Arrow, Okla.; two sons, Tony (Cheri) Ramirez of Arizona and John (Tammi) Henson-Marschang of Tiskilwa; four sisters, Faye Moreland of Vandalia, Brenda Williams of Rock Falls, Wanda Richards of Chesapeake, Va., and Wennona (Raymond) Bell of Sterling; two brothers, Charles (Sandra) Henson of Rock Falls and Daniel (Clarise) Henson of Sterling; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, one brother, and one great-grandson.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Pastor Paul Sheley officiating.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.