James M. “Jay” Henderson, III, 53, of Mattapoisett passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, December 5, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones.
Born in Milton, the son of Alison B. (Hersey) Henderson and the late James M. Henderson, Jr., he lived in Mattapoisett for most of his life.
Jay attended a Special Education program at Old Rochester Regional High School, where his outstanding personality quickly made him loved by everyone. Through this program, Jay was introduced to Sheila Burchell and Rory McFee, who played a large role in setting the stepping stones for the pathway of his adult life. Sheila Burchell developed a work study opportunity for the Special Education program, in which Jay started to work for Sippican Corporation in Marion, Massachusetts and then later became a full time employee for 27 years. Rory McFee pushed Jay to become involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts where he excelled to win numerous medals, trophies, and was then able to qualify for the International Special Olympic Games, in swimming where his specialty was the butterfly. Although Jay loved swimming, he also enjoyed floor hockey, bocce, and bowling.
Through the strength of his parents and grandparents, Jay was able to progress and develop into the person we all know and love. Jay exemplified no matter how many adversities one is born with, you can grow, survive, and flourish in society.
Survivors include his mother; two sisters, Leslie B. Kesseli and her husband Steven of Acushnet, and Whitney L.H. Renauld of East Freetown; four nieces, Brooke Michaud and her husband Russell, Liisa M. Walsh, Jennifer L. Renauld, and Lauren A. Renauld; and a nephew, Brett W. Renauld.
He was the brother-in-law of the late Leo H. Renauld.
His Funeral Service will be held on Monday Dec. 9, 2013 at 10 AM in the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett. Burial will follow in Milton Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday from 2-5 PM. Remembrances may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts, New Bedford Chapter. Checks can be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts noted New Bedford Chapter, sent to 125 John Hancock Rd., Taunton, MA, 02780 or call 508-821-3635. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.