James K Henderson, Education Stalwart died on Saturday March 6, 2010. Mr. Henderson was a former acting Permanent Secretary and also Chief Education Officer, School Principal and teacher. In fact he was an educator who has served at every level of the Education Pyramid in Dominica.
Mr. Henderson can be described as a versatile teacher due to the fact that his teaching career crisscrossed many schools in all the educational districts in Dominica.
James K. Henderson attended the Grand Boys School. While there he learned acting, debating public speaking, choral singing and played cricket, Skills which he later imparted to his students.
He also had a long and eventful teacher career, which began in 1947 at the Roseau Boys School. From there he went on to teach at the Grand Bay Boys School in 1948, the Roseau Mixed School in 1950 and then to Giraudel, Coulihaut and St. Joseph in subsequent years.
In 1957 he went to teach at the Portsmouth, followed by assignments to the the Vielle Case, and Delices Government Schools.
He was first posted as Head Teacher in Hampstead in April 1957 one year later he was transferred to the Penville School after which he was then appointed to head the Vielle Case school. It was while at the Hampstead School that he also taught Stages 1-3 and also Grade 1 and Form three with a staff of three including him.
After returning from the Institute of Education in London in1963 he was stationed as Head teacher at the Delices Government School then in 1966 Mr. Henderson was posted as principal of the St.Joseph Government School following which, in 1968, he was made principal of the Laplaine Government School until the construction of the new school.
In 1971 Mr. Henderson’s career took him to the Goodwill Junior High School, while there he initiated many changes until his posting to the Dominica Teachers College as social studies tutor in 1973.
Following this he was appointed Education Officer –West in 1975 and then promoted to Chief Education Officer in 1983 and lastly to acting Permanent Secretary in 1985.Mr James K Henderson retired form the public service in 1988.
However, in 1990 he was called out from retirement to organize the Grand Bay Secondary School, now the Pierre Charles Secondary school and again to finally retire in 1992.
In 1996 Mr. Henderson was honored with the Meritorious Service Award after forty One years of service in educational development to his country, Dominica.
James K Henderson leaves to mourn his wife Phyllis of 56 years, herself a retired teacher – and nine children
The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development extends sincere sympathies to Mr. Henderson and the Henderson family. We share in this moment of loss to the Dominican society.
Note: In recognition of the outstanding service of Mr. Henderson to the Education sector in Dominica, The Ministry of Education and Human Resource development invites a contingent of students from selected schools to be present at the funeral of Mr. James K Henderson on Friday 19th March at 3pm at the Roseau Cathedral.
I can remember him very well when he was the Head
Teacher in Delices. His wife was my teacher in stage 3. I can remember 3 or 4 of his children,especially Betty,Anselm and is it Edward ? I had heard that he was related to my mother, who is also a Henderson from Grand Bay. I met him I think in 1985, and my first question I asked was about my friend Betty. God Bless the family.
I just finished reading about Mr Henderson’s achievements. And to have so many children he was truly blessed. I never met Mr Henderson nor knew him at all. I happen to run across this page and started reading and said to myself, I wish there were more men like Mr Henderson in this world. I will say a prayer for the family tonight. God Bless
to one of greatest men in the world r.i.p. it’s so sad that my children, u’re great grand children, never got to know u they would have loved and appreciated u as much as i do.
TO ALL THE HENDERSON’S AT MARPIN AND ELMSHALL MY HEART GO’S OUT TO YOU GUYS. I CAN REMEMBER THIS MAN, WHEN I WAS IN MARPIN,MY FRIEND TONY CRAZE GUY. WE WOULD ALWAYS GET SOMETHING TO EAT WHEN WE COME TO PICK HIS SON UP. MRS HENDERSON WAS SO LOVING AND CARE ABOUT US. THIS FAMILY WAS VERY LOVING TO ME ,ALL HIS SON’S ARE MY FRIEND. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE( VERY GOOD MAN)
R.I.P
My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. J. K. Henderson. Mr. Henderson was a man of
integrity and fairness. As the Chiief Educaton Officer, he insisted, on giving me, my first opportunity as a teacher, when a principal tried to block me, from entering the teaching service. The words of inspiration he told me, that day in his office motivated me, throughout my teaching career.
Mr. Henderson was truly a stalwart and a mentor in education.
RIP MR HENDERSON.
i remember when we used to come over and the tv always used to me on…now the house is just quiet…we will surely miss you may you rest in peace
R.I.P. granddaddy i miss the times when we used to come over and the tv will always be on now the house is very quiet……we miss you alot
My deepest condolence is extended to the Henderson family on the death of their iconic father /mentor – James K. Henderson. No other patriot has sacrifced so much for his country in the area of education and civil service. His contribution radically altered the educational dynamism of his era, and continue to impact it contemporarily. Besides his public service, Mr. Henderson always demonstrated a willingness to help and offer sound advice to those who sought his service. Dominica has truly lost a son and a disciplinarian. May his family be comforted in this moment of mourning!
thank you ever so much, from the henderson family.
MAY THE GOOD LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS AND GUIDE US IN SUCH TIMES….SO GREAT TO SEE WE CAN APPRECIATE THE GOOD THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND GIVEN TO US….CAN REMEMBER WEEKENDS WHEN J.K WOULD VISIT US AT COTON,VIEILLECASE,WAS ALWAYS A BIG OCCASION ALTHOUGH IT WAS EVRY WEEKEND..HE AND DAD WOULD TAKE US FISHING,TELL STORIES,JOKES AND ALWAYS HAD GOOD ADVISE….AUNTIE UV HAD THE BEST OF THE BEST AND MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS……….
REST IN PEACE UNCLE
Daddy I will miss you terribly, I will miss our Sunday conversation. I know you are in Heaven looking down on us and saying yes, I did it, I’m proud,very proud Your legacy will surely continue in us, Love from CJ,Mackie,Todd and Ceaser senior.
My Daddy, I will miss your stories. I miss seeing you on your special chair and I bet the TSN ratings have gone down significantly. Fish at Mero and the fried plantain won’t be the same….hope you get to fish and catch some tanch as big as the length from your finger to your elbow…. I know mama is missing you in a way words can’t describe after 56 years of companionship and love……our hearts ache knowing hers does….you are gone but will never be forgotten..
JK, Daddy, Grandpa….
First of all Condolences to the family/,Without James K Henderson none of us would be here/, Your brilliance has been passed through 2 generations and counting/,You will be forever remembered and carried on in our minds, hearts and actions for years to come/,I am glad I had the chance to tell you I love you one last time and hear your voice still powerful and moving as the first time I met you and granny as a young child/,May you rest in peace and walk through the enlightened pathways of heaven and achieve more happiness in the afterlife/I love you, and will always miss you/,James K Henderson, the husband, the father, the granfather and one of the most empowering and inspiring individuals to walk this earth.
Huby, MIke turner/aka Flip Morris
R.I.P. Mr Henderson.. Lost my last grandparent
To Mrs. Henderson and the rest of the family.
We have all suffered loss, but may the good memories of JK linger on. May his soul rest in peace
ML
Florida
Condolences to aunt Phyllis and to Anselmn, Tony and the other kids. JK was not just a great educator but a man of integrity, a good father and a devout Catholic.
Man is lonely by birth
Man is only a pilgrim on earth
Born to be king time is but a temporary thing
Only on loan while on earth.
JK Requiescat in Pace.
you ran the race,kept the faith and now is the time for you to rest in the lord.i am saddened by the passing of this humble man.good people like mr.henderson are hard to find and when you find them and then they are gone,then replacing them seems the hardest assignment on earth.my prayers go out to the wife and the rest of his family.it is the things we can bear in life we encounter.he was loved long and well,so the tears to be shed should be happy ones.may you rest in eternal peace,sir,and may the angels welcome you home.
I have lost a mentor, dad, friend. One of two people who have shaped my life in a most positive way, the other being my grand father. JK and me shared many treasured moments especially at the latter part of his life. I grew to love him more as we conversed at the end of the day over a cup of tea or while enjoying a fish broth on Saturdays. His influence on me could be seen, to the extent that I was nicknamed ‘zanfan JK’. He will be truly missed but I will cherish his memory forever. Aure voir to a special one!!!
R.I.P James K Henderson ,can still recall my school days in 1990 when u started the grandbay high school ,when u work hard to put every thing in place ,thx to u becasue of your great work thats why Pierre Charles Secondary school is stand there today ,may god grant u rest ,
Proud and Ambitious Educator of Dominica. My family’s deepest condolences to his wife,Phyllis and family. Mr. Hendo was or is one of my mentors with his calmness and firmness within the education system. He was my lecturer at DTTC and later supervisor; and I know that he touched thousands of lives with good memories.
Phyllis,our prayers are with you,JK is resting with his maker.
Thank you. The henderson family-Elmshall.
The stalwarts have served with merits and JK was no exception. Peter George and Peter Henry had gone long before and now it’s brother JK. Kinard is still struggling and Charles Gregoire is still standing. But these are amongst Grand Bay’s best. So sad and unfortunate that today’s generation just didn’t see these examples fit to follow. For me however, a product of these men, my only grievance is that today’s teachers didn’t take a leaf from their pages instead they have move to “la terre eclewe”
To the family, while you grieve, be comforted that Kever has left behind a wealthy legacy that can only come from Grand Bay and one to be proud of. Live everyday trusting in God and on the values and strength the firm foundation of your parents family structure and you will end up no less than what they want of you.
From Grand Bay we sympathize greatly with you on your loss, essentially our loss.
God bless.
WHO SAID IN THE DAYS OF JK GRAND BAY DID NOT HAVE BAD BOYS
BUT HE CHOOSE THE RIGHT WAY
Thank you…the henderson family-Elshall, Roseau Dominica.
he was always happy to help in any areas possible,hope his hard work did not go in vain, from the henderson family , thank you.
Sleep Daddy,sleep.
Life’s race well run
Life’s work well done
Life’s victory won
Now cometh rest
Well said Aunty betty!
Betty,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With sincere appreciation for the dedicated service of your Dad who helped shape many lives including mine.
Julia James
Greatly appreciated-thank you
With deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Henderson. I was a student at the Grand Bay Primary school now PCSS and although this is sad news it also brought back a wealth of good memories . He was a very firm principal but so down to earth. We could go to him about anything and education was always on the top of his list. I didn’t know that he had such an extensive career in education but I am grateful to have met him. May his soul Rest In eternal Peace
Let those who say nothing good comes from Grand Bay; think again! Yes Indeed Mr. Henderson, You did us proud. Surely as the late Pierre Charles would have said, ” I don’t mind being a fish in a small pond”. May your soul rest in peace. thank you for leading the flock. You are a true son of the soil.
I was saddened when I heard Ted talking to Ossie Lewis via internet radio yesterday. All I could say was Oh, no. I knew Mr. Henderson when I was a formerr teacher in Dominica. He was very patient, understandabe, warm, and helpful. My father knew him and his parents very well, also being from Grand Bay. I also had the privilege of meeting some of his children and met one of his daughters in Houston, Texas.
I even shared with my American colleagues about his death and was proud to share that I have something from him for remembrance, his signature. He also had the best handwriting as a Chief Education Officer. That’s a real keepsake. I’m happy to have know him before I left home.
My condolences are greatly extended to his wife, children, grand, and great-grand and extended relatives.
Yes, another great and important son of the South!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like Stryka said, Young brothers of South City should really add a page of The late, Great Mr. Henderson’s life to theirs.
South City, continue to make us and Dominica proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your message it is very much appreciated….The Henderson family. Elmshall, Roseau Dominica.
A great son of the soil he was indeed. May his legacy live on in all those he impacted while a pilgrim on this earth. Condolences to his entire family (Edward, Sylvester etc..) and may his humble soul RIP.
Love and Miss you Grand daddy!!!! I will surely miss chilling with you on Sundays and New Year’s day annual Lunch!!!!
You did well and your name will surely Live on… Rest Well…. Suffer no more…. And we know you are just another Guardian Angel watching over us!!!
Love you Forever!!!!!! xoxox
Condolences to Mrs. Henderson and the rest of her family. May his soul rest in peace and his legacy live on forever.
From a past student of the GBSS
Yes, indeed, another South City stalwart. Had the privilege of serving under his leadership at the Grand Bay Secondary School, now PCSS. He was a real dedicated servant. He led by example. My deepest condolences to his wife, children and family. Be comforted by the fact that God will be delighted to have him in heaven. May he be equally motivated not to rest but to toil even harder in the spiritual realm.
I remember him visiting the Goodwill Junior High School after his many promotions. He always struck me as a teacher first, and everything else second. That man lived and breathed a never ending passion for his job. His speeches always reinforced the importance and value of a good education and its benefits to those who took time out and patience to seek it. Although I was but a lad then, many years later I now understand what he meant. May his soul rest in eternal piece. We lost a true educator in Mr. Henderson.
Thank you for your kind words.
This is a Grand Bay man
He was indeed a great teacher and it is sad to hear of his passing, Jah bless…I remember those days at GBSS
the young men of Grand Bay should take a leaf from his book