James Arnold Henderson

RETIRED CHIEF JAMES ARNOLD HENDERSON, age 82, of Clanton, passed away on August 8, 2025, at Baptist Health–Shelby Hospital in Alabaster, AL. He was born in Chilton County on August 7, 1943, the son of the late W.L. Henderson and the late Ozelle Hilyer Henderson.

Chief Henderson devoted his life to law enforcement, serving his community with honor and integrity for 39 and a half years. He began his career as a dispatcher with the State of Alabama before joining the City of Clanton Police Department and later the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department. He served 33 years with the City of Clanton, including two separate terms as Chief of Police, totaling nearly 24 years of dedicated leadership. A graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, he brought advanced training, professionalism, and a strong vision for community policing to the Clanton Police Department.

During his time as chief, he was known for his steady, fair-minded approach to policing, his deep concern for the well-being of his officers, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Clanton. Chief Henderson believed in building trust between law enforcement and the community, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that every resident felt both protected and respected. His door was always open—whether to hear the concerns of a citizen, offer guidance to a young officer, or lend a word of encouragement to a friend. Under his leadership, the department grew in both professionalism and community engagement, leaving a legacy of service that will endure for years to come.

Beyond the badge, Chief Henderson was a proud Auburn football fan and a devoted family man. He cherished time with his loved ones, especially his grandson, Hunter, with whom he shared a special and unbreakable bond. He found joy in exchanging humorous greeting cards and long telephone conversations with his sister, Blondell, a tradition that brought both laughter and connection.

He is survived by his wife, Dot Henderson of Clanton; daughters, Heather (Dale) Mims of Clanton and Jennifer Henderson (Todd) Hayes of Clanton; grandchildren, Hunter Henderson, Kerrigan Sherrill, Brandon Evers, Katie Williams, and Seth Mims; great-grandchildren, Skye Henderson, Kashton Sherrill, Holden Henderson, Judah Williams, Noah Williams, Hannah Williams, and Elisha Mims; and sister, Blondell Martin of Monroeville.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy Porter Henderson; parents, W.L. and Ozelle Henderson; and brothers, William Henderson, Clyde Henderson, and Barney Henderson.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Ellison Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. J. Aaron Ellison and Rev. Gary Jones officiating.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Burial with Law Enforcement honors will follow in Pates Chapel Baptist Cemetery in Thorsby, AL, with former Chilton County Sheriff Billy Maddox officiating.

At Chief Henderson’s request, no flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN—a cause dear to his heart.

Final care and arrangements entrusted to the Ellison Memorial Funeral Home of Clanton, AL.

www.EllisonMemorialFuneralHome.com