Johnie Kirton

Johnie, you left a big impact on the Chicago Rush family. Not because of your multiple record breaking acheivements, because of who you were as a person. Your infectious smile, & how you cared about everyone. Players, coaches, & fans have all become better people because of your prescence. For the short time I got to know you, I will always consider you my friend. We'll meet up again, & I'll bring some Candied Brats for ya. R.I.P. "Jumpin" Johnie

I went to Jackson high school with Johnie kirton and i will never forget the the person that he was. He was one of the nicest people i have ever met and an absolute beast on the field. I sat next to him in my first class ever when i was new as a sophomore, the way he would tear through the defensive line on the weekend was a feat i thought was impossible.The world lost a great person, Jackson lost a legend, and we will never forget the good times.... Sorry to see you go buddy, GO HUSKIES.

Sad

Johnie was more then just my running back and my tight end. He was my Friend, my mentee and my inspiration. Oh and don't forget one of the funniest guys on the planet. He was a man whom was battle tested and knew what it really meant to persevere. Never Scared, Never Backed down from a Challenge. That's the Johnie I know, that's the Johnie I love and that's the Johnie that will forever live in my heart.

Many of us hope to make a positive difference in this life before moving on to the next. Johnie accomplished that, and I can think of no greater tribute to him or to the family who raised him.
For me personally, he provided one of my most cherished retirement gifts when I left JHS in 2003, and he did it "Johnie style" - simply with words. He popped into my office to remind me that, while I was leaving, we would always share three things that made us soul mates: "a big smile, lookin' out for the little guy, and celebrating our birthday on St. Patrick's Day".
Well Johnie, we're still soul mates: I still smile a lot, especially when I think of people like you; I'm still watching out for the little guy, but will do it now for both of us; and I will toast you, one of the dearest young men I've had the pleasure of knowing every year on our B.D.

May the Lord carry u like footprints in the sand...

My deepest sympathy to the Kirton family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Our hearts goes out to the entire Kirton family. Our daughter's went to Jackson with Johnie. It has saddened us all that such a wonderful young man was taken too soon.

I remember being at a football game and after the game Johnie came to say hi to his family and what I remember most is him holding his baby sister and smiling down on her with such love, it just spoke to what kind of a human being he was. We'll keep all of you in our prayers.

A lost of such a great player that my son Donte Ellington was given the opportunity to know with his first year with the Sabercats. My heart truly goes out to his family, friends and team mates. We all should cherish the time we have with our love ones, we never know when it will be our last.