James Edward Henry, Jr.

James Edward Henry was born in 1954 in Dayton, Ohio to his late parents Jackie White and James Edward Henry Sr. He passed away February 21, 2026, at home in Grove City, Ohio.

James lived an exceptional life characterized by a commitment to lifelong learning, teaching, loyalty, and by always knowing exactly the right time to show up for his people.

James was a patriot and proud veteran. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist, and flew nearly 100 missions as a crewman on reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. After successfully completing the Mandarin Chinese course at the Defense Language Institute, he served tours in Okinawa, South Korea and Arizona, and flew missions in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. His decorations included the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Air Force Commendation Medal.

During his life James made many places his home, including Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, California, and Ohio. As his family, our favorite move he made was to Grove City, Ohio in 2001, where he worked for Omni Community Association Managers as Chief Information Officer until his retirement in 2025.

The Lord brought James to live with his cousin Kathy Bolin, melding his life fully into hers and her family’s and forming between them a deep friendship and partnership in raising her children. He became a steady and trusted presence in her life and her children’s, stepping in during a season of transition and remaining faithfully by their side all these years.

James’s faithful friendship extended to his military family, and he viewed his airborne brother Stuart Mangrum and wife Michelle as family and treasured them as such.

James was a decorated defensive pistol shooter with the International Defensive Pistol Association. He was a member of the Pickaway County Sportsman Club in Circleville, OH, and helped facilitate many Women on Target and Youth Day events to promote firearm safety and self-defense education.

James (or Jimmy as he was affectionately known) was a pillar in the lives of the Bolin children (Kelsey (Brent) Cole, Bill (Meghan) Bolin, Kory (Jacob) Miller, Kacey (Luis) Barahona, Cole (Tessa) Bolin and he loved their children deeply Jayden and Bryson Cole, Weston, William, and Hank Bolin, Austin, Quinn, and Chloe Miller, and Salomon Barahona.

In sharing his passions with us, Jimmy gave us an appreciation for good movies and music, international foods and culture, and home-cooked meals. Jimmy taught us important things in life like cooking, survival skills, shooting and safety, how to drive, how to use chopsticks, and to always stay prepared, but be flexible.

James poured out unconditional love that formed us and stays with us. We will carry on his memory through the traditions he started and honor his legacy with an enduring curiosity for life that he instilled in all of us.

A gratitude service celebrating James’ life will be held on Saturday, March 7th, at Newcomer Funeral Home in Grove City, OH. Visitation will take place from 9-10 am, with the funeral service beginning at 10 am, followed by a graveside service with military honors at Concord Cemetery.