John Henry Massey Sr.

John Henry Massey, better known as “Big John”, was born in Bessemer, Alabama on March 3, 1942, to the proud parents of Edward Massey and Ola Mae Massey, who preceded him in death. He was the baby of 4 children.

John moved with his family to Grand Coulee, WA where his father helped to build the Grand Coulee Dam The family then moved to Vanport, OR. After the Vanport flood in 1948, the family settled in North Portland where he attended and graduated from Jefferson High School. He joined Knott Street Boxing Club and was on the heavyweight boxing scene from 1959 to 1967. His first pro fight was in August of 1959 at 17 years old. From August of 1959, through May 1961, John put together a 9-1-2, 8 KO records against the local Oregon/Washington heavyweights. With that record, he traveled to Madison Square Garden in New York on October 21, 1961; to take on another heavyweight and he lost by a unanimous decision. He dropped out of boxing for a few years and served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1966 during the Vietnam War. He returned to boxing with a string of victories and hung up his gloves in 1967. He worked in the shipyards and at Hoffman Construction with his father in Local 296. Due to medical reasons, he lost his leg and was bond to a wheelchair for many years. John was always happy. He had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor. He was fun and loving, and no matter what he was going through, he had a good attitude.

John was the patriarch of the family. He looked forward to attending family functions. He enjoyed playing dominos and eating hot links. His favorite pastime was playing video poker. He could sit there for hours hitting the button.

John loved his children and would be so happy when they came around. As the elder, he shared his wisdom with all of his family until God dispatched his Angels and took him home om Tuesday, September 3, 2024. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

John was preceded in death by his beloved parents, his oldest brother Zannie Roberson Sr., his sisters, Annie Hill and Eddie Mae Lincoln, son Bobby (Bam Bam) Johnson,  daughter Bridget Turner. He leaves to cherish his memories; 6 sons all of them Portland, Oregon; John Massey Jr., James Massey, Tony Massey, Cory Massey, Brian Charles Allen and Dwayne Abraham; 2 daughters of Portland, Oregon; Sheila Massey and Annette Campbell and a host of Nieces, Nephews, relatives and friends.

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