Jimmy Page (Henderson), vice president of Marketing and Sales for Syncrolite, passed away at 69 years old on January 5, 2016.
Page joined Syncrolite in 1991 to develop the marketing and sales for North America. His background included 25 years as a concert producer, concert tour production manager, owner/manager of showcase nightclubs, and special event project manager.
Page first joined founder Jack Calmes at Showco in 1972 as their first and only salesman. As vice president of Sales and Promotions, he saw it all and came to know everyone as he helped grow Showco from a simple two system sound company to a complete production company, doing over 2,000 live performances per year worldwide.
After leaving Showco in 1978 and working in concert promotion and venue management as an executive for Concert West, Page again teamed up with the late Calmes to help build Syncrolite in 1991. Working at Syncrolite for the next 24 years, the pair grew Syncrolite into a world leader in large format lighting for concerts, special events, sporting events, television, and film. Page's passing was exactly one year after the passing of Calmes.
Jerry Trojan, CEO of Syncrolite commented, “Jimmy was truly a special person that was committed to our customers, considering them to be friends and partners and not just clients. He had an infectious personality that will be greatly missed by his Syncrolite family and the rest of the industry. I think that Durham and Jennie Marenghi, lighting designer, best describes the industry’s collective thoughts on Jimmy:”
“Jimmy Page was a larger than life character who brought a smile to all who met him. The stories surrounding Jimmy, and therefore his life, were legend and those who listened to his 'war stories' of the rock 'n' roll industry would regard them in disbelief until other parties involved confirmed their absolute truth. He will be sadly missed by all those he touched with his joie de vivre, wicked sense of humor, and natural compassion, and we are glad to have called him friend.”
Jonathan Adamson, Chairman of Syncrolite, said of Page, “It always amazed me that Jimmy could pick up the phone and talk to any lighting designer anywhere in the world. He made friends all over the world who were always happy to hear from him. Jimmy will be greatly missed.”
“The industry has lost a seasoned veteran and friend that captivated the hearts of everyone,” said Steve Washington Syncrolite Chief Product Officer. “Jimmy was the voice and face of Syncrolite for over two decades. His love and passion for this industry will be truly missed. His award winning smile and knack for making any bad situation seem good will never be forgotten.”
In a recent interview, Page said, “You don’t retire from this business. You may slow down but you can’t really retire—it’s in your blood.” He brought that spirit to every effort and relationship he built over the last 46 years, and he and his great stories of the road will be missed.
Page is survived by his daughter Kira Henderson-Wample and son Josh Henderson, Josh’s wife Carey, grandchildren Kate and Waylon, and many other family members in Oklahoma and across the country. His wish was to have a family service that has been scheduled for January 9, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Community Church, at 1-35 and Seward Road, in Guthrie, OK. Plans for a Memorial Service in Dallas for Page's many business friends and extended family are pending. Details will be announced at a future date via Page's Facebook page.
Live Design will be remembering Page with photos, thoughts, and stories over the next week. Feel free to share any of the above with [email protected] with the subject line: Remembering Jimmy.