JJ Henry was born on April 2nd, 1975 in Connecticut, USA. He was introduced to golf by his father who was a leading Amateur player. He attended Texas Christian University and was runner up at the 1998 NCAA Division 1 Men's Golf championship. He then turned pro later that year.

He spent two years on the Nationwide Tour winning an event in 2000 and earning his place on the PGA Tour. He played consistent golf for five seasons to maintain his card before winning his first event, the Buick Championship in his home state of Connecticut.