James Henning

Jim Henning was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1932 and died at home on Bainbridge Island, Washington on May 16 - just shy of his 90th birthday. Jim was an accomplished musician, avid wine enthusiast, fisherman (known for his smoked steelhead), chef, cyclist, skier, builder, golfer, and political limerick writer. His years in the U.S. Navy brought him from Ohio to the Pacific Northwest where he settled to raise his family on Clyde Hill. He was offered a job at Boeing, then the Bellevue School District and retired from King County’s Youth and Family Services Department in 1997.

He was a wonderful man and all who spent time with Jim loved him for his gentleness, kindness, and delightful sense of humor. Jim and his wife, Claire, traveled the world together until the pandemic prevented them from doing so. He was especially fond of Ireland, Claire’s home and where relatives still live.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Claire, his five wonderful children: Cathy (Michael) McCarthy, Jay (Cindy) Henning, Mike Henning, Matt (Meredith) Henning, and Chris (Ali) Henning along with twelve devoted grandchildren (Brendan & Doyle McCarthy (Lauren), Chelsea, Carley & Jack Henning, Devon Henning, Emma, Benjamin, Elijah & Gabriel Henning, and Nick & Cate Henning. One great-grandson (Christopher) whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his two brothers and two sisters, and their families, in Ohio, Michigan, and South Carolina. Jim’s wife, family, and friends will miss him dearly and treasure our memories of him.

A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA