John Denley
John Denley
John Denley was a Protestant martyr. He was burned at the stake in Uxbridge, London in 1555 for his faith in Christ.
He was born in Withington, Oxfordshire to Benjamin and Sarah Williams. His father Benjamin worked as a stone mason and raised three children before passing away at Withington in 1888.
Early Life and Education
John Denley was born in Newcastle, England in 1889 as the only child of furrier Henry John Day Denley and his wife Alice Mary.
He was raised without church affiliation and became saved in his early 20s. In 2010, he felt led to ministry at Reedy Creek and has been serving there ever since as a youth pastor.
After overcoming many hardships, the Denley family was able to send their four children to Ole Miss. They have an intense devotion for the Rebels and many fond memories of their time in Oxford.
Professional Career
John Denley’s career started as a professional water skier and stuntman before venturing into entertainment. He quickly earned himself a following for his infectious smile, as well as for living life to the fullest. Many admired this decision of his to live life to the fullest.
He was a professional cricketer for Kent County Cricket Club and was the winningest player in England in 2018, earning himself the title of Players’ Player of the Year by the Professional Cricketers’ Association. His impressive record included three centuries in Championship matches and a hat-trick during T20 Blast matches; additionally he made his Test match debut for England in January 2019.
Achievements and Honors
John Denley was an accomplished aviator who served with the US Navy during World War II. For his bravery in battle, he earned himself a Navy Cross.
He had also served as a CIA operations officer, posting to France, Malta and Israel where he specialized in political, military and economic matters. He maintained relationships with some of the world’s top leaders such as Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill and David Ben-Gurion.
He was an active member of the Timaru Rotary Club and Paul Harris Fellow, as well as being involved in community service projects and sports. Above all else, he had a deep-seated passion for education; believing it should be accessible to all children regardless of background. As both father and grandfather, his commitment to this cause was truly inspirational.
Personal Life
Denley is a renowned free improviser who has collaborated with numerous musicians around the world, his most significant collaboration being with Jon Rose of Relative Band fame.
He has collaborated with Chris Burn (of Machine for Making Sense and Lines), Marcio Mattos, Rik Rue, and Axel Dorner on numerous occasions. Furthermore, he has toured and recorded throughout Europe, Australia, and the United States.
He was a member of the Relative Band from 1981 to 1985 and, later in life, Machine for Making Sense and Lines. His first solo album, Dark Matter, came out in 1995; additionally he and Betty Denley released a duo CD together as well. Surviving family members include his wife Betty; children Donna Denley Amos with husband John; Joe Trence Denley; Bruce Wayne Denley (wife Tina); Lisa Smith; Michael “Mikey” Wightman and wife Shelly; sister Dorothy Derrick; brother Robert Lee Denley and wife Paula; as well as grandchildren from both families.
Net Worth
Denley’s net worth is estimated to be $2 million. His work combines traditional and contemporary elements of flute, percussion and electronics. Born in Bulli, New South Wales and raised in Wollongong, Denley began playing violin and piano at an early age but soon after turned his focus solely on playing the flute.
In 1976, Denley traveled to Europe for an academic program and to view major art collections. It was during this time that he realized his life’s work should be music; he became fascinated with improvisation and recorded recordings of John Coltrane, Anthony Braxton, Derek Bailey, Evan Pavlier and other jazz musicians. Additionally he collaborated with Sydney composer Rik Rue on duos for live mixed tapes and wind instruments which greatly shaped his approach to playing the flute.