Family tribute to 'larger than life' aid worker

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17 May 2024

Harry Stedman,Zhara Simpson

World Central Kitchen/PA Wire

The family of James "Jim" Henderson say he was taken far too soon but lived "every minute of his time on earth to the fullest extent"

The family of a British man killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza has paid tribute to his "larger than life presence".

James "Jim" Henderson, from Cornwall, was among seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) workers who died when their convoy was hit outside the Deir al-Balah warehouse in March.

In a statement issued through Devon and Cornwall Police, his family described Mr Henderson, 33, as an "incredible man" who had "died doing something that mattered to him".

They said they would "never comprehend his loss" as the former Royal Marine had "so much more to achieve in his life".

REUTERS/WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN

Police said Mr Henderson was part of WCK's security detail and died alongside fellow British veterans John Chapman, 57, and James Kirby, 47

Police said his funeral would take place in Truro, Cornwall on 22 May.

In a tribute, the family said: "It's not the size of the candle but the brightness of its flame that counts and this couldn't be more true than when we think about Jim.

"Whilst he was taken from us far too soon, and with so much more to achieve in his life, we gain comfort in knowing that he lived every minute of his time on earth, to the fullest extent."

Mr Henderson had a strong passion for rugby and "followed his dreams" by joining The Royal Marines and seeing front-line action in Afghanistan, while "people" were at the heart of everything he did and drove him to "be better", his family said.

'Legacy'

The statement continued: "It was this drive that took him to Gaza in support of World Central Kitchen, and those so badly affected by the conflict in the region.

"Whilst we will never comprehend his loss, we know that he died doing something that mattered to him, he was making a difference and for that, at least, we are grateful.

"Above all others, those that mattered most to Jim were his fiancee Jacqui, and his family.

"'Proud' does not come close to expressing how we all feel for what Jim achieved, and we know would have gone to achieve.

"Whilst mourning the loss of him, and what he would have undoubtedly continued to do with his life, we also reflect on his legacy and the many people who will continue to benefit from what he started."

'We miss him'

It added: "We love him. We miss him. We celebrate his achievements.

"We know that his flame will continue to burn brightly in each and every one of us as we look to a future without his larger than life presence in it."

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) dismissed two officers and reprimanded three others over the incident, calling it a "serious mistake".