John Jeffrey Henry

John Jeffrey (Jeff) Henry, age 79, died in Austin, Texas, on August 15, 2025 due to complications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Jeff was born in Austin, Texas on January 25, 1946, the third of five children born to Sam Sherrill Henry, Sr. and Gloria Judith Henry (Lanaux). Jeff is predeceased by his sister, Susan Sharon, his brother Sam Sherrill Henry, Jr. and his parents.

Jeff attended Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he excelled in many arenas; athletic, class leadership, and simply being a caring classmate.

He graduated in 1964 and was voted Football MVP his senior year. He attended Tyler Junior College on a football scholarship.

Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas and his Masters of Education degree at Tarleton State University in Stevenville, Texas.

At the height of the Vietnam Conflict, Jeff was inducted into the US Army on March 6, 1969, served in the Light Weapons Infantry (Rifle M-14 Expert Status), and engaged in jungle combat shortly after the Tet Offensive. He was quickly promoted in rank from Pvt E-1 to Sgt E-5 by January 9, 1970. and received an Honorable Discharge on March 5,1975.

Jeff was a member of the Texas A&M coaching team supervising the Athletic Dorm and serving as a Graduate Assistant with Jackie Sherrill and R. C. Slocum in 1986 when they defeated Auburn in the Southwest Conference 50th Cotton Bowl. His Cotton Bowl Ring is a prized memento.

He then coached at Rice University as a Defensive Line and Special Teams. He was also the Academic Liaison for the Football Program led by Ivy League Head Football Coach, Jerry Berndt.

A few years later, Jackie Sherrill hired Jeff as Recruiting Coordinator at Texas A&M during which time he designed a computer program to streamline the recruiting process and coordinating with IT department to ensure its effective usefulness.

Jeff was a dedicated public school educator with an innate commitment to young people, excelling at helping at-risk students, in many Texas high schools where he taught biology, anatomy, and physiology, coached football, basketball, track and field, and served as athletic director, and principal. He believed in the potential of every individual and the power of education. Among the schools are Georgetown HS (2 generations), San Saba HS, Odessa HS, Permian HS, Rankin HS, WB Ray HS, Calallen HS, Argyle HS, Rocksprings HS, Alpine MS, Winters MS, Three Rivers HS, Caldwell HS, and Pearsall HS.

As principal of the young Argyle High School in 2006, Jeff's leadership skillls helped establish the beginning of a continuing legacy of success in all areas of UIL competition: academics, athletics, and music...The UIL Lone Star Cup.

Many colleagues and former students became family friends, and continued to reach out to him as one who positively impacted their formative and adult lives.

As a devoted and dearly loved husband, stepfather, and family man, he earned the respect and love of everyone who came in contact with him.

Jeff’s passion was raising and training Border Collies as working dogs and companions. He and his wife loved peaceful country living with their dogs, sheep, and goats.

Jeff is survived by his cherished wife of 39 years, Sandra K Boord (Sandie), his step-daughter Keri Lynn Hurd, his sisters Judy and Mary and numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Graveside services will take place at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Friday, August 29 at 10:00 am, Shelter One. Please arrive at 9:45 am.

A reception will follow at CHRISTUS Heritage Hall, The Village at Incarnate Word, located at 4707 Broadway. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated the same day at 2:00 pm in St. Joseph’s Chapel, the Village at Incarnate Word.