200 say farewell to Jim (From This Is Wiltshire)

200 say farewell to Jim

10:56am Wednesday 23rd January 2008 in

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THE sun shone through the stained glass church windows at the funeral of a popular 27-year-old who tragically lost his life to cancer.

Who Wants To Live Forever by Queen played poignantly as the coffin carrying Jim Henderson, who died on Friday January 11, was carried in to Dilton Marsh Parish Church yesterday.

Mr Henderson, known to many as Jim, was an active member of his local community and a member of the Dilton Memorial Hall Committee, helping to raise nearly £20,000 when asbestos closed the facility in March 2005.

More than 200 friends, family and local people who had come to know him, paid their respects at an emotional 30-minute service led by the Rev Margaret Davies.

In a special reading, his partner Nick Pearce, 53, praised the man that he referred to as his little star.' He said: "His smile could melt a frost at 50 paces. He never sought praise for his efforts. He was my little star.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to you all. You have made my day, so many of you have come to see Jim off and I bless you all for that."

It was in July last year that Mr Henderson, who worked as a support officer at Erlestoke Prison near Devizes, discovered he had cancer.

Mr Henderson was a keen member of the Friends of Imber Church, and campaigned for its refurbishment.

Originally from Larbet in Falkirk, Mr Henderson relished being part of the community and helped out with the scenery and lighting for the Dilton Players amateur dramatics group.

As well as a love for local projects, Mr Henderson was interested in computers and even helped teach the internet to the late Beatrice Smith, who was the headteacher of Dilton Marsh Infant School from 1964.

During the service, Mr Pearce thanked the staff at Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley who looked after Mr Henderson before he died, and praised the community for their show of support.

Mr Pearce, a broadcaster who was born and bred in Dilton Marsh, said: "Dorothy House, through their love, understanding and kindness, made him one of their family you are stars, absolute stars.

"You (the congregation) have been wonderful. This village has come out and shown my friend Kaye and the Londoners here how we do it in the village thank you so much."

A private cremation was held after the service at the Crematorium in Bath.

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