James Norman Mchenry

Portsmouth, RI - James Norman McHenry, 89, of McCorrie Lane, Portsmouth, RI, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on December 3, 2011. The last words he heard on this earth were, I love you! from his granddaughter Jocelyn. James was born on February 5, 1922 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, and was the son of the late Mary Josephine MacDonald and Edwyn McHenry of Newport, and spouse of the late Great Genevieve Morris McHenry, and the father of the late Norma McHenry. He is survived by his son William McHenry and wife Lisa of Wyoming, RI, a sister Marion McAndrews, three nieces, six nephews, three granddaughters, a grandson, a grandson-in-law and an adored great granddaughter Kristina Goose Arruda, whom he taught to walk.James Norman, of the Greatest Generation, was a veteran of World War II. He served his country in the Army, while travelling to Africa, Italy, Japan and Korea. He often regaled his family with tales of his travels abroad. He was a graduate of De La Salle Academy in Newport, a long-time employee of New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, and a parishioner of St. Barnabas Church in Portsmouth. As an avid historian and enthusiast of mechanical items, he collected antiques and restored clocks. He also thoroughly enjoyed sailing, traveling with his family, classic automobiles, and Scottish bagpipe music. He spent many summer days sailing on his boat Amity, and winters traveling with his late wife in their RV up and down the West Coast from Canada to Florida. Most importantly, he was a devoted and loving father to his two children, Bill and Norma, encouraging and guiding them throughout their lives. More recently in his later life, he spent countless hours perfecting his culinary skills with his granddaughters, being an enthusiastic third parent to Goose, and observing the birds and the roses on his beautiful property. Norman was also an original member of the Clam Club, tirelessly sampling clam dishes from countless Island restaurants. As a loving family member, Norman was a constant gentleman, always dignified and welcoming, filled with strong faith, wisdom, compassion and love. His home was often the center of many family gatherings, including weekly Sunday dinners, numerous family weddings and a large Scottish family reunion. His calm loving presence will be profoundly missed by all. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, from 4-7pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at 9:00 am from the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery in Middletown. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Beacon Hospice, 1 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI 02914, or the James J. McHenry Education Fund, c/o Bank of America, 181 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840.