James W. (Jay) Henderlight

HENDERLIGHT - James W. (Jay) Henderlight, 90, passed away February 12, 2009 after a brief illness. He was born November 15, 1918 in Knoxville, TN to Robert Harris and Vera Maude Pruett Henderlight. In 1946 he married Eve Williams. They lived in Knoxville and Johnson City, TN where he worked in the burial vault business. Jay served in WWII and the Korean War as Master Sergeant in the Marine Corps. He was one of the last of the Night Fighters who parachuted into enemy territory in WWII. About 1960 the family moved to Albuquerque where Jay fell in love with warm weather and Mexican food. He worked at Sunset Memorial Park and later at UNM Medical School. After retiring, Jay spent much of his time playing golf and volunteering at the UNM South Course. In recent years, he has been a tireless volunteer at the National Hispanic Cultural Center and the El Camino Real Center where he has greeted thousands of people form royalty to children. Jay was blessed with the ability to talk to anyone about almost any subject and made others feel comfortable with his humor. He was a member of Central United Methodist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife, Eve; son, Robert Melvin; sister, Louise Davis; and parents. He is survived by a niece, Evelyn (AZ); cousin, Vera Whaley (TN); and step brother, Walter Ogle (FL). In lieu of flowers, donations in Jay's honor may be given to a charity of your choice. Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010