John Burton Henley II

John B. Henley II (better known as Skip or Doc), retired Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force and longtime Alaska resident, passed away on October 23, 2025, in Wasilla, Alaska, at the age of 85. Born on October 30, 1939, in Wakarusa, Indiana, Skip served 24 years in the United States Air Force, rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was a Vietnam veteran and a dedicated Aeromedical Technician and Physician Assistant.
Throughout his distinguished career, Skip was awarded numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He also received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, The Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars. His overseas service was further recognized with the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. For his dedication to excellence and leadership, Skip was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Four Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with Four Oak Leaf Clusters. Due to his outstanding service abroad Skip was also awarded both the Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long Tour with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and the Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short Tour. He also received the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, a testament to his skill and discipline.
After retiring from the military in 1982, Skip continued his lifetime of public service. He worked for the AK Dept of Corrections, the State of Alaska VA, and at the Salvation Army Clitheroe Center, where he served for 40 years. He also had his own medical practice where he provided thousands of free sport and school physicals to anyone in need. His career reflected an enduring commitment to caring for others and serving his community.
Skip is survived by his wife, Gillian Henley; his children John B. Henley III, James E Henley, Jo Anne Matthews (Don), Robyn K. Garcia (Roger), and Jacquelynne H. Ficek (Larry); his sister Carolyn Goodman (Bill); grandchildren Corey D. Matthews (Angelica), Alicia S. Donnelly (Gabe), Bobbi, Stormi and Sabrena, great-grandchildren Kaden and Evelyn; and his faithful dog, Gus. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents, John B Henley Sr. and Helen G Henley, his siblings Glen, Shirley, brother-in-law John Adams, and many, many dear fellow military and non military friends that became family along the way.
Services will be held at Janssen's Funeral Home at 6901 E Blue Lupine Drive in Palmer on November 4, 2025. Visitation will be at 11:00 a.m., funeral service at 12:00 p.m., followed by a procession to Fort Richardson National Cemetery for burial with full military honors at 2:30 pm.
*If you plan on joining the service on Ft Rich, you must provide your full name, Real ID, DOB to Jacque Ficek by Nov 1st 6PM. Jacque@BHGDreamMakers.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a veterans' organization or simply do something to pay it forward like Skip has done all his life.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege to know him.
From his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, Gillian: Skip was the kindest, sweetest, and most generous man I have ever known. He never met a stranger and always had room in his heart for everyone. His generosity knew no limits - whether it was his time, his attention, or even his lunch. He would often pack two or three sandwiches for himself, knowing he'd likely share them with his patients, coworkers, or anyone who simply needed a meal or someone to talk to. Skip had a deep and abiding compassion for his fellow veterans. Even after retiring from the Air Force and the VA, he returned to help once again, providing physicals for disabled veterans in need. In his own practice, he offered free sports and school physicals to hundreds of children each year - never asking for anything in return, simply happy to help.
From his children: To us, Dad was the coolest dad anyone could ask for. He had a special way of making each of us feel like we were his favorite - and he told us so, one by one, in confidence. It wasn't until about ten years ago that we discovered his secret: he told all of us we were his favorite. And in truth, that was the magic of Dad. He made every person he loved feel like the most important person in the world.