Arrangements for funeral of James Henderson following death in Gaza

At the same time, his parents Trish and Neil, and his fiancé Jacqui, have spoken of their hopes for a lasting legacy for Jim.

As a fitting tribute to his love of boxing and rugby, and his life-long commitment to helping others, Falmouth and Penryn Boxing Club will be renamed the Henderson Boxing Academy. Penryn Rugby Club will also receive support, both clubs benefitting from funds raised in Jim’s memory.

Jim was brought up in Mabe and attended school in Penryn. He was the youngest of three brothers, a confident little boy with a cheeky personality, always keen to protect and help his friends.

His love of sport from school days continued to blossom during his career as a Commando in the Royal Marines. He played both rugby union as flanker, and rugby league as prop forward. His joy at beating the Paratroopers is something the family remembers with humour and pride. He represented the Marines as a heavy weight in the boxing ring, reaching several final bouts.

Jim competing in the boxing ring. Image: Harry James-Mills

Jim left school set on a military career. He served as a Marine from 2010 to 2016 and was deployed to some of the world’s most troubled spots, including Afghanistan. He was highly-disciplined, known for calmness under pressure and the ability to lead and solve problems in challenging situations.

In his post-military career he pursued his interest in marine security, travelling the world as a professional security adviser and operative. At the time of his death he was supporting the World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza.

His father Neil remembers him having a strong sense of the right thing to do and ‘knowing right from wrong’, from a very young age. His mother Trish describes him as ‘an excellent son and brother, chatty, warm, friendly, always there for people’.

To his fiancé Jacqui, he was ‘comfortable with himself and mentally strong.’ She describes the way he could walk into any room and talk to people. She recalls his excitement at starting a new project and the ‘itchy feet’ that meant he loved setting off somewhere new to help people through his work. In recent years that had included Ukraine. He needed to be ‘out there’, says Jacqui, doing the work he loved, then coming home to spend precious time with family and friends.

In a moving tribute, Jacqui credits Jim with having changed her life since they first met in 2021. Looking ahead, she reflects that she will always ask herself ‘What would Jim do?’ She adds, ‘He always knew what to do and would pick me up if I was struggling with something. That will stay with me. He would always give the best advice’.

Jim Henderson, a loving son, partner and friend

The funeral at Truro Cathedral on May 22 will be a celebration of a young man who made a difference to so many people’s lives at home and in his professional role. The example he set as a courageous leader, a kind friend, and a loving son and partner, will be carried forward with support to the sports he excelled at, boxing and rugby, in his home area.

Anyone wishing to make donations to the Henderson Boxing Academy in Jim’s memory can do so via www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-jimmy-a-boxing-legacy

The family hopes that as many people as possible will attend on May 22 to support them and pay respects to Jim. They would be delighted to see people from the local community and veterans lining the route to the Cathedral and around High Cross, and for military berets and medals to be worn, if wished.

James ‘Jim’ Henderson (September 20, 1990 to April 1, 2024) is survived by his parents Neil and Trish, his brothers Matt and Dan, his nephews Hugo and Stanley, and his fiancé Jacqui.

James (Jim) Henderson funeral arrangements

Jim’s funeral service will take place at Truro Cathedral on Wednesday, May 22 at 12 noon.

Jim’s family would like to extend an invitation to anyone wishing to pay their respects at the service.

Alternatively, you are welcome to line the streets between Boscawen Street and High Cross (outside Truro Cathedral).

The cortège will travel down Lemon Street at roughly 11.35am.

Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to World Central Kitchen.

Jim’s family are grateful for any donations in his memory to World Central Kitchen, as Jim was passionate about helping others.

Donations can be made via james-henderson-1990-2024.muchloved.com, on the day via retiring collection, or care of the funeral directors: Penryn & Falmouth Funeral Directors, 50 Kernick Road, Penryn TR10 9DQ. 01326 376926 (24 hours)