James Thomas Henry
2/11/1945 – 09/16/2025
It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of James “Jim” Thomas Henry. Jim was born on February 11, 1945 in Wichita, Kansas, and adopted as an infant by Vivian and Bert Henry. He spent many years searching for his biological identity, a quest that was a significant part of his personal journey. After graduating from Wichita State University, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to further pursue Creative Writing. There he met fellow poet Mary, and 3 months later they became inseparable. This lifelong partnership and deep friendship lasted over 50 years, until his death on September 16, 2025.
Jim was small in stature but large in posture. He often joked that he taught his much larger male friends the right way to walk (with attitude!) as well as how to perfect “the old Kansas nod” when greeting. He managed movie theaters and drug stores while continuing his writing, and eventually became an executive recruiter in the high tech business. He and Mary traveled throughout the United States, to many European countries, and took frequent vacations in Hawaii and Mexico. Always bright threads in the tapestry of each other’s life, they exchanged poetry and shared the discovery of new authors.
In 2009 Jim suffered a stroke and a few years after, moved to Arizona. He eventually purchased a condo in Tempe, where he lived until his declining health made independent living impossible. Mary was his caregiver for many years, and was able to secure a place in a nursing facility where 24-hour support could be provided. Jim loved to be read to, and one of his favorite authors was the humorist, Dave Barry. Jim and Mary spent many hours laughing uncontrollably over Barry’s many funny passages. To honor Jim’s legacy, please buy, and read, a book.
