Roll Call Tribute

Published in Savannah (GA) Morning News on June 6, 2010 Dr. Vernon J. ("Jim") Henry Dr. Vernon J. ("Jim") Henry - SAVANNAH - Marine geologist, Professor Emeritus, innovative researcher and respected advisor on environmental issues, Dr. Vernon J. ("Jim") Henry died on May 12, 2010 at his home in Savannah, Georgia after a brief illness with cancer. He was 78 years old. Jim Henry received his doctorate from Texas A&M University and joined the faculty of the University of Georgia (UGA) in 1961. Dr. Henry's long and distinguished career within the University System of Georgia included teaching, research and administrative roles: Director of the UGA Marine Institute on Sapelo Island (1961-1971); coordinator of the UGA marine geology program on Skidaway Island (1971-1982); Chairman and Professor Emeritus of the Department of Geology at Georgia State University in Atlanta (1982-1992); and part-time professor and director of the Georgia Southern University Applied Coastal Research Lab (ACRL) on Skidaway Island (1992-2003). Also, on a sabbatical from UGA, Dr. Henry was the Program Manager of the Marine Geology and Geophysics Program at the National Science Foundation in Washington, DC (1968-1970). Jim Henry was a pioneer in the use of side-scan sonar technology to study the submarine morphology of Georgia's estuaries and continental shelf. He was a recognized authority on the coastal and barrier island geology of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. His expertise was sought not only in these States but also throughout the US and the world. Many of Dr. Henry's research studies and those of his students are still definitive today. Dr. Henry was one of the most respected geologists in Georgia and he was frequently called upon to shape environmental policy in this State. His leadership of the Coastal Protection Advisory Council was critical to the 1992 formation of the Georgia Coastal Zone Management Program, which strives to balance economic development with preservation of coastal resources. In 1996, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recognized Dr. Henry as an "Environmental Hero" for his work on Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary. After a second, final retirement from the University System of Georgia in 2003, Jim Henry kept his office at the ACRL and stayed active in barrier island research and the environmental community. He helped to establish the Center for a Sustainable Coast ( www.sustainablecoast.org) and he organized a Georgia chapter of Wilderness Watch ( www.wildernesswatch.org) . The focus of his last efforts was the Cumberland Island Wilderness. He hoped to reverse the negative impacts of commercial operations on land removed legislatively from federal protection in 2004 and to reinstate the original Wilderness boundaries. Jim Henry, son of Mrs. Jodie Crews Henry Daigle and Dr. Vernon J. Henry, Sr., was born on October 13, 1931 in Port Arthur, Texas. A childhood spent on the water inspired him to pursue an education in marine geology and oceanography. While a graduate student at Texas A&M, Jim Henry met Judith Garretson of Greenville, Mississippi, a librarian just starting her career; she became his wife in 1954. Dr. Henry's first faculty posting in 1961 brought the couple and their two young children to Georgia, first to Athens and a year later, to Sapelo Island. After eleven enjoyable years on the island and the addition of a third child, Jim Henry began work at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the family moved to Savannah in 1972. Dr. Henry kept this professional tie and his Savannah residence until his death. Beyond professional achievements, Jim Henry valued collaboration with colleagues, long-lasting personal relationships and helping others to realize their potential. He will be remembered for his humor, kindness, warmth, and generosity. Jim Henry is survived by partner of seven years Ms. Carol Ruckdeschel of Cumberland Island; son Mr. Jeff Henry of Los Angeles, California; daughter Mrs. Carolyn H. Rader and son-in-law Jeffrey A. Rader, both of Decatur; daughter Ms. Leslie E. Henry of New York, New York; grandchildren Olivia Rader, Thomas Rader and Audrey Rader, all of Decatur; step-mother Mrs. Faye Henry of Nederland, Texas; sister Mrs. Diane Daigle Frazier and brotherin-law Mr. Wilford Frazier, both of Houston, Texas; half-sister Mrs. Stephanie Henry Dietz of Port Neches, Texas; half-brother Mr. Stephen Henry of Shreveport, Louisiana; brother-in-law Mr. Jack Garretson (Janice) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; first cousin Mrs. Clo Ann Rabb of Meridien, Mississippi. He is predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Mrs. Judy Garretson Henry and by his brother, Mr. Anthony A. Daigle. At a private gathering on Skidaway Island, family, friends and colleagues will celebrate Dr. Henry's life and his lifetime of achievements and service. Those wishing to honor Jim Henry by making a donation may do so through the "Jim Henry Barrier Island Fund" at the Center for a Sustainable Coast ( www.sustainablecoast.org) . Please contact David Kyler, Executive Director, at 912-638-3612 or 21 Mallery St. Suite B, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Savannah Morning News June 6, 2010 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .

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