John Henry Hensley, 73

John H. Hensley, 73, a lifelong resident of Coeur d’Alene, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at Hospice of North Idaho after a long illness.  

John was born July 28, 1951, in Medford, Ore., to William W. “Bill” and Leota S. (Bowler) Hensley. After the death of his father in 1952 during the polio epidemic, the family moved to the Coeur d’Alene area to be near his mother’s family.  

John was a proud member of the CHS Class of 1970. From 1973 to 1980, John owned and operated his own custodial business, Area Maintenance Company, operating in Kootenai County and the Spokane Valley area. From 1990 to 2011, John worked as operations manager and account representative for Inland Video Supply traveling throughout the Pacific Northwest as a wholesale regional supplier.  

John was also an avid bowler, winning numerous awards at regional tournaments. At age 15, he began working as a pinboy/mechanic at Lake City Lanes, where he developed a love for bowling.  

In February 2008, John married the love of his life, Barbara Sailor, with whom he shared 16 years of marriage before her passing in August of this year. Together, they attended Christ the King Lutheran Church. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the pastor of Care Ministries, Larry Comer, for his faithful ministry to John and Barbara during their last days.  

Besides his wife, Barbara, John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Tom (Sue) Hensley, previously of Coeur d’Alene and Athol, Idaho. He is survived by stepdaughters Laura (Matthew) Hamblen and Wendy (Javi) Chavez; his brother, Rick Hensley, of Moscow; and sister Janet (Arthur) Smith of Ephrata, Pa.; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  

At John’s request, there will be no public service. Guest registry and memories are welcome at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.