After returning home from a 58-month assignment with the Canadian Army during World War I, Jim Henderson left Canada in pursuit of a job. In November 1919, he joined the staff of the Muskegon Chronicle as a reporter. It was the beginning of a 43-year career as a sports journalist.
Henderson was appointed Chronicle sports editor in 1920 and served in that capacity until his retirement on October 1, 1962. His running column, “The Press Box”, covered it all – from the world of professional sports to the prep scene. High school sports were always emphasized. Pre-season prospects, the games and the half-time shows, the post-season sports banquets and a complete list of letter winners were expected by the public and delivered by Henderson.
Numerous civic and professional honors came his way over the years, including being named head of the Associated Press sports writers of Michigan in 1951, and a certificate of merit from Governor John B. Swainson in 1962.
His most treasured reward, however, was honorary membership in the Muskegon High School “M” Club. Joining former coaches and Muskegon Area Hall of Fame members Harry E. Potter and C. Leo Redmond, Henderson became only the third person other than a regularly enrolled athlete to be awarded a varsity “M”.