Obituary of Jim Henderson

HENDERSON, James 'Jim' It is with great sadness that the family of James Eric Henderson announces his passing after a brave battle with leukaemia. He died Friday, September 25 with his wife, Linda at his side, at the age of 73 years. Jim Henderson was a kind, loyal, and loving man. Born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, England on October 31, 1941, he immigrated to Canada when he was 15 years old with his mother, Violet and late father, James (1981). He was a dedicated son to his mother, a loving and devoted husband to Linda for 47 years, and a supportive father to his girls Adriane (Wagner) and Erica (Hazzard). He wholeheartedly embraced fatherhood during dance recitals, drives to gymnastics and universities, as well as trips to see his daughters on cultural exchanges. Jim set an example of loyalty for his sons-in-law, Matthew Wagner and Ben Hazzard, and enjoyed having other men in the household after a 24 year drought. As a grandfather, he played a meaningful, fun, and active part in the lives of his grandchildren Miriam, Naomi and Phoebe Wagner, and Liam and Graeme Hazzard. He listened to, wrestled with, hugged, and loved each of his precious grandchildren. His family loves him deeply. Jim proudly served his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He worked for Transport Canada at Windsor Airport for 33 years, where colleagues became like brothers. During retirement he and Linda travelled the world, including living in England for a year, and spending weeks in Florida with his family. When at home you could find Jim having coffee with his friends at the 18 Wheeler in Tilbury. He enjoyed playing golf, reading, playing cards, re-enacting the war of 1812 with the Kent Military Reenactment Society, and volunteering with the Tilbury Horticultural Society. Jim will be dearly missed by all his friends. Jim’s continually positive outlook was an encouragement and inspiration to us all, even through his battle with cancer. To know him was to know a kind and gentle man. Friends and family are invited to a Visitation held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham on Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's life will take place at Sprucedale United Church on Monday, October 5, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. Those wishing to leave an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Canadian Cancer Society- Leukemia Research or the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street Chatham, Ontario 519-351-2040 Access to Sprucedale United Church Parking Lot is located on Briardene Street, Chatham (From Victoria Ave, turn right onto Ardleigh Drive, right onto Briardene Street)