Behnan Ruphail Jahnny

Behnan Ruphail Jahnny, a devoted husband, loving father, generous friend, and steadfast pillar of his family and community, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his beloved family. He was born on April 19, 1947, in Kirkuk, Iraq, to Ruphail Jahnny and Victoria William, who raised him in the Catholic faith and instilled in him the values of devotion, perseverance, and hard work that would guide his life.

From an early age, Behnan was deeply involved in his faith and church community. His Catholic beliefs were not merely practiced, but lived — shaping his character, his sense of responsibility, and his lifelong commitment to serving others. These values remained a constant foundation throughout his life.

Behnan demonstrated exceptional academic ability and determination. His excellence in education earned him a full Iraqi Government scholarship, allowing him to pursue higher learning abroad. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Technology in New Delhi, India, and later continued his studies in the United States, earning a master’s degree from West Coast University, also under full scholarship. Despite his achievements, Behnan remained humble, viewing education not as a personal accolade, but as a means to provide for his family and serve others.

In 1978, Behnan immigrated to the United States, settling in Los Angeles, California, where he embraced a new life with courage and resolve. Like many immigrants, he worked tirelessly to build stability from the ground up. He began his career in broadcast engineering, working at several television stations throughout the Los Angeles area, often holding two jobs at the same time. His tireless work ethic was driven not by ambition alone, but by a deep sense of responsibility to his family.

It was in Los Angeles that Behnan met Layla, the woman who would become the love of his life. They were married on December 23, 1983, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion.

While living in Los Angeles, Behnan remained actively involved in the Church. He served faithfully as a deacon at St. Paul Assyrian Chaldean Catholic Church in North Hollywood, California, dedicating his time and energy to supporting the parish and its community. His service as a deacon reflected the same humility and selflessness that defined every other aspect of his life.

Throughout the years that followed, Behnan continued working across multiple television stations, steadily honing his craft and earning the respect of colleagues throughout the industry. In the 1990s, his dedication and expertise culminated in his involvement with Pacific Media Post in Burbank, California, where he became a respected broadcast engineer and later co-owner alongside his close friend and partner, Kevin Juergensen. Those years remained among his fondest memories, and he often spoke warmly of the friendships, challenges, and accomplishments they shared.

Together, Behnan and Layla raised two sons, Brian and Kevin, whom Behnan guided through example rather than words. Through tireless labor and selfless devotion, he provided them with opportunity and stability, raising Brian to become an Emergency Room physician and Kevin to become a professional pilot. He was the rock of his family — steady, dependable, and always present.

Behnan lived in Simi Valley, California, until 2003, when he moved with his family to Las Vegas, Nevada. There, he opened a liquor store that would become far more than a business. For 21 years, he poured his blood, sweat, and tears into it, running it with pride and integrity until his body physically could no longer allow him to continue. The store became a gathering place, and Behnan a familiar and beloved figure. Many visitors to Las Vegas made it a point to stop by simply to see him, share a conversation, or laugh together. He loved the store, the people it brought into his life, and the community he served.

After moving to Las Vegas, Behnan continued to live out his faith as a devoted member of St. Barbara Chaldean Catholic Church, remaining active in the church community and grounded in prayer and service.

Behnan formed lifelong friendships wherever he went. He shared deep bonds with friends such as Duane and Ahmed, and countless hours of laughter and competition during legendary backgammon battles with Hanna, Ali, and Ghasan, where games stretched late into the night, filled with joy, rivalry, and love.

He was a man of simple pleasures. When dining out, there was never a question — Chinese food, always. At home, he was known for his incredible traditional white bean stew and curry, and for his beloved Sunday morning ritual of making tikka, cooked on a Bunsen burner that inevitably set off the smoke detectors to ensure everyone woke up. He loved In-N-Out Burger, famously reminding everyone, “You owe me lunch — number three, no cheese.”

An avid blackjack player, Behnan especially enjoyed playing at his favorite casinos — the Luxor, MGM, and Red Rock — never missing the opportunity to declare, with a grin, “I always take money from those bastards.”

He loved music deeply, often spending hours listening to Engelbert Humperdinck, Andrea Bocelli, and Farid al-Atrash, letting the music fill his home and his heart.

Above all, Behnan was defined by his generosity and selflessness. He never said no to anyone who needed help and worked his entire life so that others could succeed. Even in small, endearing ways, his kindness showed — sneaking extra snacks and pita bread to the family dogs, Rocky and Obi, fully aware that it drove his son Brian crazy, and enjoying every moment of it.

Behnan is survived by his beloved wife Layla; his sons Brian and Kevin; his brothers Qeedar Jahnny and Saib Jahnny; and his sister Clara Jahnny. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, sacrifice, love, and quiet strength — a life truly given for others.

“Greater love has no one than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

— John 15:13

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon him.

May he rest in peace. Amen.

A visitation will be held at St. Barbara Chaldean Catholic Church, located at 4514 Meadows Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89107, on January 5, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am.

The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 am to 11:45 am.

The committal service will take place at Palm Northwest Cemetery, located at 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131, from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm on January 5, 2026.

There will be a repast and gathering with refreshments held back at St. Barbara Chaldean Catholic Church, located at 4514 Meadows Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89107 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm on January 5, 2026