EUGENE, OREGON

James Royston “Jim” Henley, 91, of Eugene, Oregon, passed away Jan. 8, 2025.

He was born Sept. 29, 1933, in Spokane, the son of John and Myrtle (Rand) Henley, former owners of the Henley Furniture Co. Jim graduated from Newport High School, Class of 1952. He enlisted in the United States Air Force April 14, 1953. Jim married Karen Jean Clark Nov. 16, 1958, in Spokane. The couple lived first in Los Angeles, where Jim was employed by the Civil Aeronautic Agency. Returning to Spokane, Jim worked as a technician for the National Weather Service. With two children, the family moved to Eugene in 1975. Jim was called “iconic” by his neighbors. He was a real-life “Mr. Fix-It,” going to great lengths to make any repairs for friends and neighbors.

He was fond of airplanes and motorcycles. He belonged to the Spokane Flying Club in the 1960s and '70s, flying parachutists on weekends. He owned many motorcycles, and rode up until his final year.

He is survived by wife Karen of Eugene; son Gary of Warrenton, Oregon; son Greg (Sandra French) of Eugene; and grandchildren Kate, Aaron and John Henley.

Nieces and nephews include Denise (Olsen) Miller of Creswell, and her daughters Danielle Miller and Kristen Miller; and nephew James Olsen of Lexington, Nebraska.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and older sister Betty Henley (Walter R. “Ole” Olsen).