Obituary of James "Jamie" Henderson

James (Jamie) Logan Henderson, Ed.D 1937-2024 Jamie Henderson, passed away after a long illness with his loving wife and caring neighbours by his side on April 11, 2024. Devoted husband and partner of Loretta Stoyka. Loving and dedicated father to Joseph (Joe), Tom (Sarah) with deceased wife Lorna (1991). Devoted father to Matthew (Vanessa) Stoyka. Loving grandfather to Henry James Henderson. Adored grandfather to Siena and VJ Stoyka who brought continuous joy to his life. Born October 6th, 1937, in London, Ontario to his parents Dr. Harold and Clarissa Henderson. Loving brother to Elspeth (James) Myer. Loving Uncle to Dr. Jamie Myer, Dr. Jonathan Myer and Clarissa Keyes. Jamie attended Mountsfield Public School and London South Collegiate. He later went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History and English from Kings College, University of Western Ontario and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) from the same university. He obtained a Master of Arts Degree (MA) in History from the University of Windsor and continued his academic pursuits at the University of Virginia, where he earned a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) He culminated his academic achievements with a Doctorate of Education in Social Studies from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Jamie began his teaching career in London, England. He would later return to Canada and taught at Kenner Collegiate in Peterborough, Essex Secondary School and Walkerville Secondary School. He held the position of Head of the History Department at W.D. Lowe Secondary School, Coordinator of Social Studies with the Windsor Public School Board and Sessional Instructor at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Education and Wayne State University. Jamie's lifelong dedication to nurturing the minds of tomorrow through teaching remained unwavering, fueled by his profound passion and innate talent for guiding and inspiring young learners. He was a consultant for the Border Kids Project with the Canadian Consulate in Detroit and the Windsor Board of Education. Together with Brian Raisbeck, he co-founded the History Alive Program, with the Windsor Board of Education. Jamie worked for the Ontario Ministry of Education as a Curriculum Consultant and was on several Ministry Committees. He was proud of his 14 year-role on the Editorial Board of History and Social Studies Teachers. Jamie never believed in retirement, just career changes. He continued his community service in his second career. This included co-founding the Association of Fundraising Professional (AFP) with Bill Hallet for Windsor and Essex County. Jamie was a board member for the local and provincial Children’s Aid Society, and the University of Western Alumni Program. In February 1994, he began a career in fundraising (or friend-raising as he liked to call it) at The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. Jamie spent two years fundraising with the Windsor- Essex Children’s Aid Society and a year with the John McGivney Children’s Centre. Jamie then returned to his passion at The Hospice where he remained until his passing. As teacher and consultant, he lived by the belief that he first and foremost he taught students History. The student was ALWAYS the main focus. This carried over to his non-profit work, as the needs of the donor were always first and foremost. Donors were appreciated and thanked on a consistent basis. Jamie strongly believed you could never say thank you enough to a donor. He would always take the time to handwrite beautiful, heartfelt notes of thanks. Jamie himself was a lifelong student. Personal and professional development was a major point of his belief system. You could never learn enough about Social Studies, Education or the Not- For-Profit Sector. Amongst his many professional achievements, Jamie was also a talented athlete. Jamie participated in many sports growing up. He played football and golf at the high school level. In University, he played on Western’s Golf Team and won the OUAA title. He also played for the Western Colts Football Team. Jamie played interfaculty hockey for Kings College and won two championships. He was an avid fan of the University of Windsor Lancer Football Program. He was honoured to be part of the first University of Windsor Football Team and an Assistant Coach. Jamie was mentored and trained in this role by his idol Gino Fracas. Jamie was a man who believed in the goodness of people and worked tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of others and the community of Windsor and Essex County. He emphasized the importance of expressing gratitude and love, understanding the profound influence of a simple "Thank You" and heartfelt declarations of affection. If you so desire, donations to The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County. As per Jamie’s wish, cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation will be held at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home - Banwell Chapel (11677 Tecumseh Rd. E.) 519-253-7235 on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024 from 4-7pm. To express condolences and memories to the family, please refer to the online guest book.