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C. Mitchell "Skip" Johns

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C. Johns Obituary

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 30, 2009.

JOHNS, C. Mitchell "Skip," departed this life on January 26, 2009 from natural causes. Mr. Johns was a beloved teacher and coach who taught at Trinity Episcopal School and previously at Collegiate School. Talented in so many ways, he was an avid writer and student of English, Philosophy, and The History of American Film. He most recently was a documentary film maker concentrating on the nascent film industry of the 1920s through the 1940s. A service and reception for a celebration of his life will be held at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens on Saturday, January 31, at 1 p.m. As a strength and conditioning coach, he relied on his experience as a collegiate National Champion and a professional football player, and was quick to encourage his students to find their full potential. Donations can be made to the Trinity Episcopal School, 3850 Pittaway Drive, Richmond, Va. 23235, or to the pet adoption agency S.H.A.R.E., P.O. Box 140551, Nashville, Tenn. 37214. A statement of his life comes from a quote of one of his favorite authors, John Steinbeck, who said, "I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit." His remains will return to Tennessee-home at last.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Recent Activity

September 27, 2024

Jim Wood posted to the memorial.

October 14, 2009

David Roe posted to the memorial.

February 18, 2009

Joshua Allen posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

Jim Wood

September 27, 2024

RIP Coach. Beaumont 1976

David Roe

October 14, 2009

As an undergraduate at Carson-Newman college in the mid-70s, Skip Johns was my idol: intelligent, articulate, an athlete and poet. A combination of gifts that is distinctly uncommon in one individual. I was fortunate to share one class with him at that time, one on Tennessee writers, and it was his presence in that class that has contributed to it being one of my most lasting memories of those years.

More than anything, it is as a poet I will remember him. I committed so many of his verses to heart in those days that these thirty-five years later time has only proved the truth I sensed in them so long ago. It seemed then and now as if he had touched on some deep internal rhythms of life that were timeless -- voices that had always been there and had always whispered silently within me until he made them heard. They were invariably the voices of the people he had grown up with or had met along the way, voices that resonated in my own past.

For one poem that still haunts me -- about his grandfather -- it seems he may have been writing about himself those thirty-five years ago. But that's the way it is with good writing: identities become blurred and interchangeable as all things and all people merge into one. So what one writes about others he writes about himself and about everyman. The following is his poem entitled "Grandfather -- for Frank Rawls," published in The Small Farm in 1975. I know of no more fitting way to say goodbye than in his own voice that itself is deathless:

I.
He died before I knew him...
Left as I was coming.
My fault, somehow, that I was swelling
just as his wrinkles smoothed into the hills.

I'd have hurried to hear
the stories that twisted his knuckles
and pushed his teeth out:
Anxious to hear and touch
his anvil, its shapes.

II.
One shoe uncovered during planting
hangs over my door
on a nail --
Bowed legs drawn toward the earth.

Joshua Allen

February 18, 2009

"Skip" was one of the greatest power lifters and strong men that I ever knew, but above all this, he was one of the greatest friends I ever had and I will miss him; I consider him my brother in Christ. I love you brother. Rest in Peace.

Susan Conley

February 4, 2009

I was Skip's sister-in-law with his first wife. I am very greatful for the selflessness he displayed after their divorce and his ability to see what was best for his daughter and her future. Thank you Skip.

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Scott Hughes

February 3, 2009

Skip Johns was larger than life for me as he was my coach, my mentor and my friend. I met Skip in 1982 while playing football at Trinity. He pushed me to work harder, to improve, to learn not only on the field but off as well. Skip brought out the best in me. Over the years I have thought of him often and I am proud to say that I knew him. Rest in peace my friend, I will never forget you.

Cathy Herweyer

February 3, 2009

I remember Skip from when we worked together at Beaumont many years ago. His kindness, sense of humor and genuine care for others are what I remember most about him. Knowing that he went on to teach, coach and mentor so many others brings a smile even as the news of his loss gives me great sadness.

Walt Prillaman

February 2, 2009

Dear Friend,
I have not seen you in a long time, but I see your face. I see that smile. Your passion for the game (of life) lives on in those you have touched.
Your first college room mate,
Walt

Burton Poole

February 1, 2009

Mr. Johns, who I knew only as "coach" was a long-time regular customer of mine, and I would like to think a friend as well. I will always cherish the lengthy film-related discussions he and I would have during his daily visit to Rite Aid. He will be missed greatly.

Maria Benson

January 31, 2009

I have fond memories of Skip when he was our neighbor on Park Ave. My sons enjoyed having him as teacher and coach at Collegiate. Skip was fond of my late husband, Ron, and was a pall-bearer at his funeral.
A unique man!

Maria Benson (Richmond, Va)

Mary Jo Johnson Dailey

January 30, 2009

I first met Skip when we were freshmen at Carson-Newman College. Our paths crossed again this fall when I joined the faculty of Trinity Episcopal School. He was the same, sweet, gentle person - interested in what he could do to help others. I'm proud to have known him.

Harry Hall

January 30, 2009

I worked with Skip at Beaumont Learning Center, many years ago. The kids loved & respected him, because he cared & he had a great respect for them. Skip helped build confidence.

H Hall

Kathy Ivins

January 30, 2009

Skip Johns was very good to my son Jack at Collegiate ('05) and we appreciated his time, attention and affection for Jack. He will be missed.

Billy Broaddus

January 30, 2009

Thanks so much for everything, Coach!

Betsy Edwards

January 30, 2009

Skip Johns was a wonderful man and a great teacher. He always saw the potential in his students and encouraged them to pursue new ideas, goals and experiences. He will be greatly missed.

Bill Edwards

January 30, 2009

I liked Mr. Johns so much at first because he liked my son Morgan so much, but as I learned more about him, I came to appreciate his caring nature and brilliance as a teacher. He was an inspiration to my son and we will always remember him fondly.

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