James Byron Henley

James (Jim) Byron Henley "Gone Fishing"

1944 - 2024

It's with a mix of sadness and love that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Byron Henley, aged 79, on January 18, 2024, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Jim was a remarkable man, celebrated for his unwavering dedication, exceptional craftsmanship, and deep compassion. A welder by trade, he was a distinguished member of the Local 56 Pipefitters and Steamfitters Union for 55 years and was the Business Manager of the local for 17 years, the longest tenured Business Manager of Local 56. He was also the long time President of the Mainland Building Trades. Jim's advocacy and skill were so impactful that his name graces the Union Hall. Upon retiring from the union, he began a lumber milling business and started his own consulting company, acting as a liaison between contractors and unionized staff, most notably with Atlantica Mechanical Contractors Inc.

An enthusiast of the outdoors, Jim's passions included fly fishing, hunting, and ATVing. His love for nature was complemented by his extraordinary carpentry skills. He crafted not only his own home but also a home for his son Greg, a beautiful cottage "the camp", and numerous pieces of furniture, showcasing his incredible talent.

Jim's other passions included golf and playing the guitar and dancing with his late wife Maureen to all of their favorite bluegrass and old country tunes.

For over 55 years, Jim's life was graced by the companionship of Beagles, most recently his beloved dog, Casey. His fondness for these loyal dogs mirrored his affectionate nature.

Jim was a devoted husband to his late wife, Maureen, for 53 years, and a guiding force as a father, instilling values of integrity and hard work. His legacy as a steadfast and loyal family man continues to inspire.

Predeceased by his parents, Helena (Myers) and Gordon Henley, wife Maureen (Bellefontaine), brother Ivan, and sisters Shirley Kiley and Sheila Ellison, mother and father in law Earl and Evelyn Bellefontaine, brother in law Larry and sister in law Janice, niece Megan Jewer, and nephew Robert Bellefontaine. Jim's memory is cherished by his surviving family.

Survived by his son Greg (Tena), daughter Christina, granddaughters Lauren and Jenna (Tyler), sisters Barb Zacharias and Beth (Rick) Jewer, sister in law, Shirley (Jim) Woodley and brother in laws, Keith Musselman and Paul Bellefontaine, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved "granddogter," Lucy, as well as his most recently cherished dog, Casey.

Our heartfelt gratitude extends to those who supported Jim in his final years:

Sister Beth, for her relentless advocacy and care ensuring his last years were filled with grace and dignity.

Sister-in-law Shirley, for continuing to bring him to the camp and getting him out to various music events where he could continue to dance to his favorite songs.

Loyal friends Harry Grant, Dave Leverman, Gary Purdy, Tommy Scanlon and others who visited him at Whitehills Long Term Care facility.

His fellow fishing enthusiasts and dear friends, Paul Leadbetter and Brian Corser who continued to take him fishing until the end.

The compassionate staff at Whitehills Long Term Care facility who took care of him when we no longer could.

Jim left us one last gift, he generously donated his body to The Department of Medical Neuroscience at Dalhousie University for research and education. His cremated remains will be laid to rest beside his wife, Maureen, at a later date.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the UA Local 56 Union Hall, 31 Ragus Road, at 2 pm on Saturday, January 27, 2024. A formal presentation will commence at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia or Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society or Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association.

Jim will be remembered as a man who lived with purpose, passion, and profound humanity. His memory continues to guide and inspire us.