JERALD RAIFF HENNESS, 72, our beloved father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, went to be with the Lord Jesus on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013.
Jerry was born on Nov. 13, 1940 in Whittier, Calif., to Marion G. and Marion E. Henness. He began school in a one-room schoolhouse in Garden Valley in 1947 and later graduated from El Dorado High School in 1958. Growing up with his brothers in Meadow Brook, near Garden Valley, Jerry loved telephones and became known by the local telephone company for occasionally climbing poles, tapping connections, and making calls home to his mother.
He attended Sierra College, graduating in 1961, and entered the U.S. Air Force serving as a missile maintenance technician from 1963-1967 and worked on the MinuteMan missiles. In 1968, he joined the California Highway Patrol and served with distinction 30 years before retiring in 1998. Over his lifetime, Jerry gained a wide range of occupational experience from electrician and irrigation technician, to driving school buses, forest fire water trucks, and funeral home vehicles. Jerry continued his education at California Missionary Baptist Institute & Seminary in 1973. He made a trip to the Holy Lands with a missionary group in 1976 and graduated from seminary in 1977.
Jerry will be dearly missed by his church congregation, Lighthouse Missionary Baptist Church. He was a faithful friend and servant, helping with church finances, transportation, web design, electrical work, and maintenance. Over the years, he traveled to assist with the construction of other Missionary Baptist Churches in Las Vegas, Colorado, and Washington State. In his spare time, Jerry was an avid family historian, enjoyed amateur radio, computers, web design, and caring for his two cats.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by two sons, James (Jim) M. Henness and Nina of Nashville, Tenn., and Jason R. Henness and wife Ann Baughman-Henness of Des Moines, Iowa; two brothers, Bill Henness of Helena, Mont., and Mike Henness and wife Rose of Ione, Calif. He had six grandchildren, Derrick Shaver, Natasha Shaver, Brianna Henness, Mariah Henness, and Bryce Baughman of Des Moines, Iowa; and Bryce Henness of Nashville, Tenn. He is also survived by a niece, Janel Caton and husband Jeff of Eagle, Colo., and three nephews, Steven Henness and wife Kerri of Columbia, MO, John Travis Henness of Ione, Calif., and (Michael) Cory Henness and wife Annie Schrantz-Henness of Ione, Calif.
In 2009, Jerry wrote these words requesting they be included in his obituary some day:
"Like most people my age, I have accomplished a number of things in my life, but those things are not important and need not be listed here. The thing that is important is my relationship with the Lord. I came into this world with nothing, and I'm leaving the same way. The only thing I am taking has already gone on before me, my works for God. I am compelled, constrained to say that: 'I LOVE JESUS, because He first loved me!' and ''Tis only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last.'"
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial Service, Wednesday 10/2/2013, at 2:00 pm, Chapel of the Pines Funeral Home, 2855 Cold Springs Road, Placerville, CA. Online condolences may be posted at chapelofthepinesfunerals.com
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jerry's name to Lighthouse Baptist, 5641 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, CA, 95726, Boy Scouts of America, 1325 W. Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX, 75015; or Kiwanis International, 2626 Woodland Trace Indianapolis, IN, 46268.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
October 23, 2014
Jim Henness
Thank you very much to all who posted on this site, and also for all the cards and well-wishes. This online Obituary will soon be closed, but my brother and I can always be reached via email.
Much Love, -Jim Henness
[email protected]
November 9, 2013
Bill Bradshaw
I just learned today that Jerry has passed on to bigger and better things. I worked with Jerry on the Highway Patrol. Rest in peace Jerry. We'll miss you.
October 10, 2013
Thank you to all who attended my Dad's memorial. It's amazing how many peoples' lives he touched. Thank you to all friends and family.
Much Love, -Jim Henness
October 4, 2013
David Richardson
Jerry and I worked the bus route together and went door knocking together as members of Lomita Missionary Baptist Church, Lomita CA. Through this we shared a special brotherly bond/connection. A part of my history is gone with His passing and I feel the void. We hadn't seen each other for quite a few years but spoke on the phone and emailed every so often. Each time we did it was truly like no time had passed between us. I remember the last time we spoke our conversation focused on our home in heaven where I know he now is. I miss you my brother and have fond memories. I also know you are now enjoying peace and unspeakable joy with Jesus and that we will be together again one great day.
October 1, 2013
Coy Roberts-Dunham
Jerry & I were five months apart in age. I have a sweet picture of us as babies, Uncle Marion holding me & my father holding Jerry. I will always remember his voice & smile & something about him which seemed a little shy.
Jerry always called me Cuz ~ so ~...
Good bye my dear.
Your Cuz
Coy Lee
September 30, 2013
Marsha Ferguson
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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