Johnny Lorin Higley "Binky" was born April 1, 1947 to Lorin and Lila Higley in Salt Lake City, UT. Johnny was raised in Salt Lake City, and stayed in Utah throughout his life, growing up with cars, trucks, cousins, friends and the war! He often fondly reminisced of the times and antics growing up with his cousins. They all served in the war at the same time in different branches. Johnny enlisted in the Navy and served with the Black Berets, a special forces unit of the Navy and reenlisted for a second tour. He was accommodated many medals, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal on June 5, 1968 and the Bronze Star Medal (With Combat V) on May 26, 1969. Johnny received several injuries before his honorable discharge at the end of the war and is listed on the Veterans Memorial plaque in the Veterans Park in Magna, (which he mentioned to no one). He was a proud man and didn't boast, but he also didn't talk much about his experiences in the war except the good ones, like him adopting and caring for an orphaned monkey.
He worked and retired from Kennecott Copper. Johnny was a tease, but he got his own teasing especially being born on April Fool's Day; he took it well! He was a member of the VFW and spent a lot of time with the members in Magna.
Johnny suffered for many years with heart failure, causing edema and making it hard to get around, he was homebound for many years. Johnny was a very generous man and he gave to anyone in need and every charity that asked! He said "It is the only thing I can contribute," which was not true. He contributed knowledge, advice, love, security and the faith that life is worth living and he gave with dignity and grace!
