A Cornwall man killed in Gaza will resign from Truro Cathedral

Family have invited everyone to pay their respects at the funeral of a Cornwall aid worker killed in Gaza. James Henderson, 33, died along with six other workers from the World Central Kitchen (WCK) charity, caught in an explosion during a food delivery on April 1.

James, from Falmouth and also known as Jim and Hendo, has been described as a hero for his role in the WCK security team, alongside fellow Brits John Chapman and James Kirby. The three were part of a convoy that had just delivered 100 tons of humanitarian food to Deir al-Balah when they were killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Jim’s funeral will be held at Truro Cathedral on Wednesday (May 22) at 12pm and his family have extended an invitation to anyone who wishes to pay their respects at the service. Well-wishers are also encouraged to line the streets between Boscawen Street and High Cross, outside the cathedral.

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The procession will move down Lemon Street at approximately 11:35. In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family said donations can be made to World Central Kitchen, the charity James was working with at the time of his tragic death.

Truro Business Improvement District shared on Instagram: “We have been asked to share the funeral arrangements for former Royal Marine and security professional James Henderson, known to all as Jim, following his death in Gaza in April. The arrangements were also published in the local press.

“Jim’s funeral service will be held at Truro Cathedral next Wednesday, May 22 at 12 noon. Jim’s family would like to extend an invitation to all who wish to pay their respects at the service. Alternatively you are welcome to line the streets between Boscawen Street and High Cross (outside Truro Cathedral).
“The court will proceed to Lemon Street at approximately 11:35. Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to World Central Kitchen.
“Jim’s family is grateful for any donations in his memory to World Central Kitchen, as Jim was passionate about helping others.
“Donations can be made via: james-henderson-1990-2024.muchloved.com, on the day or in care of the funeral directors: Penryn & Falmouth Funeral Directors, 50 Kernick Road, Penryn TR10 9DQ. 01326 376926 (24 hours)”

Seven aid workers were killed in an Israeli airstrike while delivering food to besieged Palestinians in the Gaza Strip with the World Central Kitchen charity. Three British nationals, an Australian, a Pole, a dual US-Canadian citizen and a Palestinian died when the convoy was hit as it left the Deir al-Balah depot on Monday.

Jim was previously described as “strong, brave, loyal and fearless” by Harry James-Mills in a tribute released last month. Harry grew up with Jim in Falmouth and had known him since he was seven years old. He told the PA news agency that he met with Jim the same night he was to travel to Gaza, and the two spoke of their pride in his work with WCK.

“I shared a dinner with a few other people and I feel so happy that I shared that moment with him. We talked about (he’s traveling to Gaza), but he said he’s really proud of what he’s doing. He was not carrying any weapon. He wasn’t wearing any kind of uniform. He was just doing something that was really good.”

He added: “Jimmy represented what I aspire to be as a modern man because he was strong, brave, loyal and fearless, but at the same time he was completely gentle, loving and connected to his family and friends.”

John Chapman, from Dorset, and James Kirby, from Bristol, also lost their lives in the same explosion on April 1. Alongside them were Palestinian Saifeddin Issam Abu Taha, Australian Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom, Poland’s Damian Sobol and USA’s Jacob Flickinger.

Crowds marched in Bristol today (May 15) in honor of Bristol-born James Kirby. Large crowds lined the streets of the city to celebrate his life at St Mary Redcliffe Church, BristolLive reports.