Obituary of John Alkhas

Dr. John Alkhas, 88, of Jackson, formerly of Basking Ridge, passed away on December 3, 2022. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Evelyn Alkhas, their children Rob (Dana), Jeff (Marlise)
and Greg (Lisa), grandchildren Kendall, Josh, Jamie, and Riley, and faithful dog Pixie. He is predeceased
by his parents Elisha and Luba Bit-Alkhas, brothers Michael Bit-Alkhas and Joseph Bit-Alkhas and sister,
Dr. Rebecca “Nora” Bet-Alkhas Irani.

Dr. Alkhas completed his Senior Residency and Special Fellowship at Memorial Hospital (Memorial Sloan
Kettering Cancer Center) in New York and was a Board Certified Surgeon who dedicated his life to
improving the health and well-being of countless patients. He began his practice in 1970 as the first
Surgical Oncologist at Morristown Memorial Hospital (Morristown Medical Center) and was committed
to excellence in patient care until he retired in 1997. He was adamant about advocating for his patients,
and firmly believed it was his responsibility to train the next generation of surgeons. He was a key leader
in the establishment of the Surgical Residency Program at Morristown, which elevated it to a teaching
hospital. Every year since 1997, Morristown Medical Center has recognized his commitment to teaching
through the “John Alkhas, MD Award”, which is given by the graduating class of surgical residents at
Morristown to the attending who best exemplifies the patience, compassionate care, surgical skills, and
commitment to teaching that characterized Dr. Alkhas.

Throughout his life, John enjoyed competing in a variety of sports and games. He was a boxer in his
youth, played tennis as an adult and took up golf in retirement. John enjoyed trivia games, foosball,
Tetris, sudoku and ping pong. Moreover, he always had a joke or story to share with patients, friends
and family.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Visitation Friday, December 16, from 3pm to 6pm at the
Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. Funeral Services will be
private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center of Excellence at
Morristown Medical Center - www.f4mmc.org/oncology-needs  or the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer
Center – www.mskcc.org – Donate.