James Douglas ‘Doug’ Henson

James Douglas “Doug” Henson passed away, peacefully, in his bed Dec. 23, 2025, at the BeeHive Assisted living facility in McCleary. Born July 12, 1941, in Aberdeen, to the proud parents James and Nelli (Thomas) Henson.

He grew up on the Harbor and graduated from North River High School in 1959. He met the love of his life, Karen McLaughlin, at a dance at the Hoquiam roller rink in 1958. They married Nov. 12, 1960, and soon settled in Cosmopolis to raise their children. Tragically, his true love died November 30, 1979, and he never found love like theirs again.

He worked at ITT Rayonier in Hoquiam from 1970, as a millwright and crane operator, until the mill closed in 1992.

At 50 years old, he found himself in college at South Puget Sound Community College, earning his associates degree in technical arts. He started his own business as a handyman until he was hired as a maintenance man at the Hacienda Apartments in Lacey, where he lived and worked for 14 years.

He really enjoyed sports, and lettered in high school playing football and basketball, volunteered in the Cosmopolis summer recreational program teaching youth basketball, and coached little league baseball for both his son’s and grandson’s teams. There was always a game on.

He loved his family; found his joy in being with them. He is survived by his sisters Marilyn Carlson and Sue Lounsbury; his brother Chuck Henson, his three children: Sherrie Smith, Tina Harris, and Ricky Henson, his 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. in Fern Hill Funeral Home Chapel.

Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.