Recently, our Club heard from the Sunrise Rotary Club about the $200,000 Vista Terrace Park playground project. They have been working with the City on this for the past six months and have recently purchased playground equipment. It will have a playground that is handicap accessible and a picnic shelter. This is a much needed project near Eastgate Wilbur exit, but, North of the highway. Our club is donating $15,000 out of our major project funds (we set aside $5,000 each year). We would like to make it $20,000. So, you are invited to donate with the Club matching dollar per dollar up to $2,500.  If you donate $100, the Club will donate $100, for a total of $200. Send your check to Rotary Club of Walla Walla, PO Box 418, Walla Walla 99362. 

After a courageous three year battle with Glioblastoma brain cancer,  Jim (Jimmy, Hendy) passed away at his home. He was never one to speak at length but what he say was meaningful and often with a pithy sense of humor. Jimmy was born in Spokane, WA and moved to Walla Walla, WA in 1957 with his dad Babe and his brother Roy. He graduated from WA-HI in 1963.

 Jim had a true zest for life and made the most of each day.  His outlook on life was to always “Celebrate your days, be positive and thankful.” He valued his friendships and took pride in his golfing accomplishments. The game of golf was at the core of his life and always there. He enjoyed golfing as a member of the Walla Walla Country Club and Marrakesh Country Club in Palm Desert, CA. He started his career in golf at Manito Golf Club in Spokane, WA after earning a Class C Caddy Badge when he was eight years old. He attended PGA Business School in Long Beach, CA in 1964 earning a Class A Membership to the Professional Golfer’s Association. He also earned a Class A Membership in the American Clubmaker’s Association where he learned to repair and build custom specific clubs. He was Assistant Pro for his dad, at the Veteran’s Memorial Golf Course and took over as Head Pro status from 1972-1979. After leaving his golf pro job Jim was a successful salesman because he was easy to like.

 Jim repaired many golf clubs over the years and enjoyed teaching others how to play golf. Jim served on the City Council for several terms, and was a life member of the Elks, and was a member of Rotary for over 38 years. Many will remember him cooking fish at the Rotary Salmon Bake.

Jim was a partner in Tour Fairways and became interested in wine and decided to get involved. He was a founding shareholder in Forgeron Cellars and followed his interest in wine and learned the craft of wine making. Jim met and married Sonja Rasmussen in 1999 and and they went on to share many life and work adventures. He and Sonja (Blondie) established a vineyard in Lowden, WA and started Lowden Hills Winery in Walla Walla making some excellent wine as many will recall.

He will be remembered as a man who was willing to always be there for his friends and family. If you called him for help he would be there for you.

He was preceded in death by his father, Roy (Babe) Henderson, step-mother Thelma, his mother Norma Binkley Tapia, and step-father Roberto Tapia.

Jim is survived by his wife Sonja, his children from his first marriage: Lance Henderson, and Lana Stalder Henderson. Jim has four grandchildren: Anthony Stalder, Michaela Stalder, Meghan Stalder, Jenna Henderson and numerous nieces and nephews, his brother Roy (Mel) Henderson, Utah, half- brother, David (Stephanie) Tapia, Georgia, half sisters, Patty Binkley, Texas and Ceci Hayes, Texas, step- brother Terry (Pat) Parsons, CA, and his mother-in-law Susanne Estes that Jim has helped care for at home over the years. His Brock farm family will feel his loss as well. Jim leaves behind his beloved dogs Bella and Pepper at home.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring or Summer when everyone that loved him can safely celebrate the amazing man he was.

Friends and family are invited to sign the virtual guestbook at www.Herringgroseclose.com .

Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Blue Mountain Humane Society through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home at 315 W. Alder Street in Walla Walla. WA 99362.