Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) James Henderson, aged 95, died on Thursday, July 25 at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre, Barrie, after a brief illness. Prior to his death, he had endured a long struggle with increasing frailty and dementia.
Jim was born in Burlington on July 18, 1929 to Charles Osborne Henderson and Anna Josephine Henderson,(nee Glassco). He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Nixon, and his first wife of over 40 years, Ruth “Ru” (nee Hill) who passed away in 1995 after a lengthy illness. Jim was the cherished husband of Mary (nee Ziegler, formerly Haupt) for over 25 years. He is survived by his brother, John (Canmore, Alta), and sons Iain (Ottawa) and Sean (Toronto). He was the adored grandfather of Zach (Gravenhurst), Amber (Barrie) and Benjamin (Ottawa), and “Grandpa” to Isabel and Adah Haupt (Oro Station). He is survived by eight great-grandchildren ranging in age from 22 years to eleven months old. He is also mourned by Karen Jones, Tosha Clissold and Michael, Heidi and Chris Haupt.
Jim grew up in a military family which had a long history with the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in Hamilton. He began his military life as a high school cadet during the latter part of the Second World War. In 1950, he volunteered for the newly formed 2nd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery to fight in the Korean War. He was proudest of his time as the Commanding Officer of 2 RCHA in Gagetown NB from 1967 to 1969. His last posting was to the Canadian Forces Staff College in Toronto where he was a lecturer and course creator until his retirement in 1978.
Jim had the pleasure of spending time in the summers with his family on Lindhill Island where Ru had a beautiful piece of property. He loved seeing his growing family enjoying the small beach, and socializing with Ru’s extended family on the island. He relished his time lying in bed listening to the rain or relaxing on the screened porch with a coffee in the morning and a single malt whiskey (or two) in the evening.
Following his retirement from the Armed Forces, Jim spent many years as a broadcaster, commentator and news director at CHAY 93.1 FM. He later went on to serve as a member and Chair of the Board of the Penetanguishene mental health facility as well as the Barrie United Way. Always an autodidact, he was an author, blogger, landscape painter, lecturer, computer and Photoshop whiz and an enthusiastic family historian. He enjoyed a full, interesting and rewarding life until the years caught up with him. He will be remembered with love and respect for years to come.
Jim’s funeral will be held on August 23rd at 12:00 PM at Trinity Anglican Church, 24 Collier St., Barrie. There is ample paid parking across from the church in the Collier Street Parkade parking garage. Following the service, there will be a reception in the auditorium. Interment will take place later in the day at the family plot in Bethel Cemetery, Highway 11 North, Kilworthy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNIB.