James Edward (Skip) Henderson age 90 of Galax, Virginia passed away peacefully Thursday, September 19, 2013 at his home.

Skip was born in Ohio on July 31, 1923, son of the late C.H. and Mary Alice Rhudy Henderson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son Samuel Lacy McAlpine.

He was a 1942 graduate of Galax High School and was active in all sports: football, basketball and baseball, all of which he excelled at. After finishing high school, he attended Campbell College, but left to join the U.S. Navy to serve his country during World War II. After the war, he returned to Galax and owned and ran Henderson's Jewelry Store until retiring in 1984.

He is survived by the love of his life, Shirley Lacy Henderson, and a loving sister Alice L. Kjeldsen and her husband Allan Kjeldsen, sons Thomas E. McAlpine of Greenville, South Carolina and Robert McAlpine of Galax, Virginia; daughter Mary Clanton (David) of Galax, Virginia;, granddaughters Boyce Lacy Burnett of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Cassidy McAlpine of Ashville, North Carolina, nephews and nieces, Mac. C. Higgins (wife Susan Higgins), Sandra Mohney (husband Andy Mohney), Debra McLafferty (husband Charles McLafferty), Jennifer Mohney, Clair McLafferty, Josh Higgins, Leslie Lundy, Jay Higgins Aaron Lundy and Kelly Lundy.

Skip had a sincere love for Christ and his Church Family at the Galax Presbyterian Church.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 1:00 PM in the Felts Memorial Cemetery with Dr. Tom Whartenby officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Hillsville VFW Post 1115.

There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Backpack Buddies, C/O Allison Bolen, P.O. Box 541, Galax, Virginia 24333 or to the charity of the donor's choice.