John was born into the Piscataway Tribe on January 16, 1927 in Pomfret, MD. He was the eighth child of Joseph Oscar Harley and Mary Elizabeth "Butler" Harley.

John served in the United States Army from September 12, 1945 to October 31, 1946 and was Honorably Discharged. He retired from the Federal Government on November 30, 1990 after 35 years of service. He also served with the National Guard in Washington, DC and was a heavy equipment operator. John was a Piscataway Indian and a member of the Maryland Indian Heritage Society, the American Indian Cultural Center, the Disabled American Veterans, and St. Peter's Church in Waldorf, MD. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and the Farmers Market.

John leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Marie Isabel Harley and three sons, P. Kevin Red Bull Harley and his wife Diane, J. Mario Sky Ryder Harley and his wife Denise, and X. Shawn Night Hawk Harley and his wife LaRaine.

He was preceded in death by his son, C. Barry Running Deer Harley. John was blessed with four grandchildren, Cieara Red Sky Harley, Justin Eaglebear Harley, Brandon Dakota Harley, and Jeremy Tacoma Harley. He also leaves behind one sister, five brothers, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Arrangements by Raymond Funeral Service, La Plata, MD.