Jackson Henry, retired labor representative
Jackson (Jack) Henry, 79, of Lewes, passed away suddenly, but peacefully, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014. He was born June 25, 1935, in Boston, Mass., son of the late Frank M. and Elizabeth (Jackson) Henry, both born in Glasgow, Scotland.
He is survived by his loving and devoted family: wife of 56 years, Judith (Salle); daughter Jane Julian and her husband Robert of Coconut Creek, Fla.; daughter Jill Roberts and her husband Stephen of Lewes; son Scott Henry and his wife Michelle of Middleburg, Fla.; grandchildren: Dustin Varnell and his wife Lauren of Middletown, R.I., Erin Varnell and his great-grandaughter Harper of Lakeland, Fla., Kevin Varnell of Miami, Fla., Christian Henry of Jacksonville, Fla.; sister Christine Dockendorff of Plymouth, Mass.; brother Francis Henry and his wife Thelma of Stoneham, Mass.; brother-in-law Francis Ricci of Peabody, Mass.; his cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Sheila Ricci of Peabody.
Jack grew up and attended schools in Somerville, Mass., the landscape for oft-remembered happy antics with his childhood friends. They played ball at Dilboy Field, gathered around Teal Square, snacked at The Sweet Shop and danced at The Jumbo where he and Judy would later go on their first date together.
At 17, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1952-55. He did his basic training at Paris Island and was assigned to Camp Lejeune to train in logistics. He was later assigned to the USMC logistics base in Albany, Ga., and finally on to San Francisco, where he was a stock clerk on the Embarcadero. To his last day, he was fiercely proud of his service to his country.
Jack became a forklift driver for the meat division of the A & P Company in Norwood, Mass. after leaving the service. It was there he developed an interest in labor relations, became a Teamster and represented his co-workers as shop steward. In 1967 he took a position with his father-in-law’s organization, the International Brotherhood of Fireman and Oilers, passionately advocating for employee rights in both the public and private sector throughout North America. During his tenure, he completed coursework in labor and economics at the Boston Catholic Labor School, University of Buffalo and the George Meany Labor Studies Center while honing his skills in organizing and contract administration, his primary duties with IBF&O. From paper, paint and food manufacturers to hospitals, public school districts and the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, some of his duties representing these industries ranged from fielding both-non union and union affiliates concerns, negotiating and servicing labor agreements with new and existing affiliates’ employers, coordinating and preparing union bargaining committees, administering grievance and arbitration cases and lobbying federal, state and local legislators on pending legislation.
Travel was frequent and often lengthy throughout his career, yet his family understood the significance of his work and the joy he derived making a positive difference in peoples lives. Jack’s affability, staunch values, generous spirit and respect for his members and colleagues reflected in the life-long friendships he created and nurtured during his career. Satisfied that he had achieved his goals after a union merger, he retired after 33 years from what had become the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers/Service Employee International Union/AFL-CIO in 1999. Judy and his children were never more proud of their husband and dad.
Jack loved his work but he also loved to play and joke and tell stories of his life and travels. He was immensely loyal to his family and friends and with Judy made annual trips to New England and Florida to stay connected with all of their loved ones. Weekend card games evolved into twice annual trips to Las Vegas where in 2008 his family celebrated his and Judy’s 50th wedding anniversary amongst the blackjack tables. He loved sports and in particular the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots, even more so when they were winning. Time spent catching rays or surf-fishing with his friends, children and grandchildren on Rehoboth or Lewes Beach or out on a head boat on the Delaware Bay were favorite pastimes, as were fishing trips with his brothers-in-law on the lakes of central Florida or nephews on the bays of New England. He also could cut a mean rug on the dance floor with anyone who was brave enough to try to keep up with him.
As a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend, Jack will long be remembered and missed with enduring love for the funny, affectionate, sentimental, generous, inclusive man that he was, for the twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes that could light up a room and for the huge heart that he brought to everything and everyone who inspired him.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, at 10 a.m., at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may visit Friday, Nov. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the memorial services at Henlopen Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association, DE Valley chapter, PO BOX 625, Georgetown, DE 19947, or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.
Please visit Jack’s Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guestbook at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.
