By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The late Henry County Executive Herman Jackson was honored at Monday night’s meeting of the Henry County Commission with a proclamation read by County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway.
Jackson died May 5 at the age of 92.
Ridgeway noted that Jackson was “a fine, fine man. A real Southern gentleman.” He noted that Jackson’s wife, Janice “ws not up to being here tonight” and he asked the citizens of Henry County to join him in honoring and recognizing Jackson.
Jackson served Henry County in many capacities, including as Henry County Executive for 12 years, Henry County Magistrate for eight years and County Judge Pro-Tem for two years. He was presented with the Colonel Aide de Camp by former Governor Ned Ray McWherter.
Jackson was a graduate of E.W. Grove High School, attended Murray State University, Bethel College, and the New York University-School of Retailing, was a graduate of Dale Carnegie and also attended U.T. Center for Government Training.
He was a U.S. Army veteran with the 101st Airborne Division, serving in the 308th Replacement Depot in Germany from 1951-1953.
Returning home to Paris he worked at J.C. Penney’s, the Charles Store and was manager and buyer at Burnett’s Shoe Store for 29 years. He was a board member of the Tennessee Children’s Home and was the Chamber Man of the Year.
In other business:
–The commission authorized the sale of delinquent properties at reduced price. The properties are on S. Market, Irvine, Cypress Creek Rd., Church St.
–Sheriff Josh Frey announced the first life skills class under the work release program will have its graduation ceremonies at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at the courthouse.
–Ridgeway noted the June meeting of the commission will be held Tuesday, June 21 due to the Juneteenth holiday.
Photo: County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway reads the proclamation honoring the late Herman Jackson while County Clerk Donna Craig looks on. (Shannon McFarlin photo).