ENRICHING LIVES - James Henson

ENRICHING LIVES

Legend Nominee: James Henson

I would like to introduce you all to a road chaplain with an inspiring testimony that promises hope for the lost, joy for those saddened, and a reason to never give up. Faced with heartbreaking childhood tragedy, the traumatic experiences he endured unraveled years of distress and struggle in abundance. Children respond to pain and affliction differently, as most find difficulty understanding or the ability to cope. He spent most of his lifetime relying on alcohol and drugs to provide the peace he so desperately needed.

Born again, rejuvenated and set free, James Henson shares his life story, stripped down without the bells and whistles, exposing his failures and personal battles as validation that real change cannot be made by man alone. His strength to overcome addiction was made possible through blind faith in the Lord above. Currently an owner operator leased to Landstar with 17 years of experience and over 2-million lifetime miles under his belt, James takes his ministry over the road, sharing his uplifting testimony for all to hear.

“Life is a marathon, not a sprint. The journey I’ve lived seems like another life, but now I know that there is always something to learn from what you go through. If by sharing my story can save anyone from going down that same path, then He has used me well. I live for Him now, only He deserves the glory.”

SET THE COURSE

James is Charlcie’s only biological son, she later gained two bonus children when she married Harold Thompson Jr. – the male figure responsible for her son’s love of trucks. Born in Chicago, Illinois, James explains that his upbringing was rocky from the very beginning. Coming from a family of divorce, as a young boy he learned to balance the transition with no choice of his own.

The Fall of 1974, at the age of 10, James discovered his father’s lifeless body; he had inhaled inert gas from a helium tank, resulting in loss of oxygen – he was 28 years old. By 6th grade, James had witnessed a school shooting, while his homelife granted access to alcohol. The combination added to the height of his downward spiral. A sophomore in high school, he was smoking marijuana on a regular basis, which opened the door to stronger illicit drugs. Stating,

“I had my first drink of alcohol by 8 and I guess you could say the taste for it just grew from there. It set the course of my life, I used alcohol and drugs as a release. I wasn’t into average kid things. I looked good on the outside, but I was hurting on the inside.”

James continues to explain how his life unfolded after graduation. At 18 he welcomed his first child, settled down and got married. The following years he lived two separate lives, allowing the public and his church family to believe all was well, as he hid his addictions behind closed doors. 10 years later, James found himself back at home picking up the pieces of his broken marriage. Determined to make something happen he joined the Army, serving a total of 5 years (1990-1995).

Upon accepting his role as a U.S. soldier the abuse of drugs laid dormant, as he began to lean heavily on alcohol. He was stationed at Fort Ord, located on the California coastline of Monterey Bay for three years. In 1991, the decision to close Fort Ord was made prompting his change of MOS to mechanized infantry. In 1993, his new unit was deployed to Germany where he finished out his military career. Remaining overseas as a civilian he worked his way up from a manager position at the Exchange Service on base, to supervisor and eventually, district area manager.

After 8 years of living abroad it was time to return to the states. In 2001, he moved back in with his mother and stepfather securing a job in the retail field. Harold was a dump truck driver for the state of Chicago at the time. One evening, Harold arrived home after a long day at work, placing his belongings on a table. Instantly, the figures printed on his father’s pay stub caught James’ attention. After further inquiry from Harold, he set his sights on a new direction.

ROCK BOTTOM

It was the Sunday of Easter weekend, James was seated on a bus eager for the 36-hour ride to Florida. He was on his way to enroll at a truck driving school to obtain his CDL. His plan was to establish a driving position with a trucking company and then send for his soon-to-be wife and second child that remained in Germany. James says, “I had no interest in driving trucks until then. I had never driven one or even wanted to until I began looking into how much a professional truck driver could make. So, I immediately jumped at the opportunity to get my license and all the certifications required. Mainly, because I knew my family was coming from Germany and I needed to make good money to take care of them. I had everything lined up the way it was supposed to go. I was so hungry for it all to happen as quickly as possible that I graduated with the class a week ahead of mine.”

James found work with a company that permitted him 2 weeks off before coming onboard full-time. During that period his family joined him in Chicago, they were wed and enjoyed a honeymoon. Afterwards, he started his trucking career running long-haul pulling dry van and his wife left for Germany to gather the last of their belongings. After the deadly September 11 attacks unfolded, what came next was unexpected, as well. Out of fear of terrorism, his family never returned to the states, pushing James back into the dark place that he had fought so hard to run away from – rock bottom.

Charlcie couldn’t bare to see her son in such agony. She encouraged him to get back up, pursue a future in trucking and to learn to live again. “I remember, she told me that life doesn’t always go as you plan it. And then she tossed a bible on the bed, instructing me to get closer to God. I knew that she was right so that’s what I set out to do,” James said. He moved into an apartment of his own, switched to local work and was home every night. But as James had stated during our interview, when you are most vulnerable and at your lowest point, the door to sin is wide open.

James settled into his new home and soon befriended a gentleman across the hall. The two were the same age; their friendship appeared to be a good fit. After becoming acquainted, James noticed his neighbor’s routine involved women and illegal drugs. Convincing himself that the narcotic, crack cocaine was nothing serious, he added the highly potent and powerful drug to the list of stimulants that provided an escape from his reality. From once a month, his habit turned daily. He began calling into work until he didn’t have a job at all.

“This is how conniving the devil was in my life. See, for me being lonely – drinking was a downer – so when I ventured out deeper, I thought I could control it. I never could have never imagined the wreckage I was capable of causing.”

THE OTHER SIDE

That same year, James had met Rose, another tenant residing in the building. He explains that in the beginning of their courtship, Rose was unaware of his struggles, but could sense something was wrong. As a user for many years, he had learned to mask his addiction and present himself as normal. “Rose was a woman of God, like no other woman I had ever met. I honestly think that’s why my spirit was so drawn to her. She never got mad, we never argued, she had the patience of Job. I tried to get myself right for her, but the key word is, I.”

The couple dated one year, then made plans to marry. To save money they moved in together. While Rose was away at work, James began to steal her belongings to support his drug habit. He says, “That was the first time I hurt her, I’ll never forget it. There is not enough drugs to take that memory away.” Ready to change for the sake of their relationship, James moved into his truck. For 3 months, he devoted his entire being to getting his life back on track. Rose stuck by his side as he continued to pray for guidance and mercy. Adding, “You know, you don’t have to worry about God punishing you. Your sin will punish you plenty, the guilt is more than enough. I memorized my prayer and repeated it every day over and over. Slowly drug dealers went away, the guy in our apartment left, I moved back in with Rose and we got married.” James was able to see what life could truly be on the other side, a life without drugs.

James’ initial career in trucking was based on becoming an owner operator. In 2007, he purchased a 2005 Freightliner Columbia (named Mary Bell after Rose’s mother). For 5 years, the two traveled all over the country, exploring every state. Running over the road as a team, their relationship grew stronger. Their first visit to Florida together was a trip to remember. Traveling from Buffalo, New York in the dead of winter, bundled up from head to toe, their destination was Miami. As the climate changed, so did their clothing. James says, “The further we drove south we had to stop and buy some shorts and stuff. The smell of palm trees grew stronger, it was like being in Jamaica for us without having to leave the states. So, now Florida has sort of become our go-to state.” Texas ranks next for its wide open scenery, southern hospitality and the many trucker-friendly locations.

A conversation James had shared with a man on the bus back when he was on his way to get his CDL, he was told of a company known as, Landstar. That very day James made it his goal to one day buy a truck and go to that specific trucking company. With half of his secret pledge complete, James instead landed with a company that ultimately triggered his old habits. The stress of work led to heavy drinking again.

“God won’t take anything away from you that you don’t want to let go of.”

BREAKTHROUGH

James went on a 3-day binge, calling it ‘the worst he has ever been.’ His setback devastated his loved ones and shattered Rose’s heart. He says, “That was the first time I had made her cry and I knew right then that I couldn’t do it anymore.” September 28, 2009 James fell to his knees and cried out for God to take control of his life. Surrendering his marriage, family and business; he pleaded for direction and strength. For 48 hours, James poured out his heart. The following 30 days James used as a detox to cleanse himself of his own selfish ways, to break his habits and addiction. He received his breakthrough and completely resubmitted his life to the work of the Lord.

Actively involved with four ministries and members of their church, James and Rose seek ways to be of service behind the scenes within their community and on the road away from home. His good friend and mentor, Tim Ridley features James on the Tim Ridley Show known as, Road Dog Trucking (Channel 146 on Sirius XM). The brief segment is a part of Jumpstart with the Chaplains, aimed to provide truck drivers nationwide a positive, upbeat beginning to their day.

“I named my testimony, ‘Through The Fire’… because if you trust and believe in Him, He will bring you through the fire no matter where you’re at. We all have fires in our lives and deep waters to go through. Someone once shared with me, the reason God lets us go through deep waters is because the enemy can’t swim. I didn’t have to go find God, He was always there – I just wasn’t ready to let Him lead. And just know, if He can use someone like me, He can help you too!”