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John Johnson Obituary
"Rib-crunchers," Megan Johnson said with a laugh as she remembered her father Tuesday. "You didn't have to pay for a chiropractor."
The Derwood, Md., man — the oldest of the victims in Monday's shootings — graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. He studied mathematics, but he went into the field of reliability engineering, said Megan Johnson, third-youngest of his four daughters.
Most recently, Johnson worked with TWD & Associates, Inc., where co-workers knew him as "J.J."
"These were dedicated employees who cared about their work and their colleagues," TWD president Larry Besterman said Tuesday. "The senseless violence that claimed their lives cannot erase the memory of their friendship and contributions."
Johnson was an avid saltwater fisherman but, his daughter said, "could not cook to save his life." He had a place across the road from the ocean at Nags Head on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for more than 20 years.
Megan Johnson said her father was a "die-hard" Washington Redskins football fan. And while the former youth ice hockey player used to feel the same way about the Baltimore Orioles, she said, "I can tell you, he was switching to the Nats," referring to the Washington Nationals baseball franchise.
Colleagues have said Johnson would always greet them with a hearty, "Good morning, Buddy. How you doing?" His daughter said that made her smile.
"I think the key thing there was his jolly, happy-go-lucky self," she said. "An honestly great guy."
Johnson would have celebrated his 74th birthday on Oct. 7. He also leaves his wife of more than eight years, Judy, and four stepchildren.
___
Associated Press writers Amanda Kell, Ben Nuckols, Allen G. Breed, Emery P. Dalesio, Stacy A. Anderson, David Dishneau, Randall Chase and Jessica Gresko contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
24 Entries
Stephen M.
December 13, 2013
I really enjoyed the short time My Lord My God gave me with John I knew He was very special. I only wish I had more time. He was a True Hero for sure with God now.
S Marshall
October 7, 2013
May the Father of tender mercies comfort you at this time.
September 25, 2013
May you all be comforted as you cherish the fond memories of your dear loved one. (Isaiah 61:1,2)
How you can show support
Ken Gaal
September 24, 2013
I was a classmate of John at PLU from 1957-1961. We were close friends, both being Physics majors. One thanksgiving vacataion break, we did a several day bike trip together from
PLU to Victoria and back -- great time. I was shocked to hear of the tragic shooting -- but pleased to read the inspiring comments about John from his wife and children -- John would be very proud of how his family is coping. Sincerely, Ken Gaal
September 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Buachie Family
tzamaras family
September 23, 2013
thinking of you all. we are very sorry for your loss.
Fr John Vaughan
September 23, 2013
My heart goes out to all of you. May a god bless you with courage and strength during this sad time and give John the fullness of peace, joy, happiness and life!
Love & prayers!
Erica Valenstein
September 23, 2013
Thinking and praying for your entire family in this time of loss.
September 22, 2013
May the God of all comfort grant your dear family peace at this time . (Phillipians 4:6,7)
September 21, 2013
Sharing your sorrow with love and friendship. Ginny Baxter,Greencastle, Pa.
Lynell Nelson
September 21, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family with deepest sympathy at your tremendous loss. How wonderful heaven must be right now with his warmth and that great smile! God bless you all, and bring you peace!
Jim & Dottie VanArnam
September 20, 2013
Our thoughts & prayers are with your family. We never met Mr. Johnson, but we know Shannon and her family through our daughter. If Shannon's caring & kindness is from her father, he left a wonderful legacy.
Connie Devan
September 20, 2013
My sincere sympathy and prayers are with the entire family. A real tragedy. God Bless All of you.
Connie Devan
September 20, 2013
My sincere sympathy to the entire family of John.
Bratt and Family
September 20, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the entire Johnson family for the loss of John Roger. May the peace of God that excels all thought be a comforting aid to you during this difficult time.
Rachel Mach
September 20, 2013
My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of saddness and grief.
T.J. McBride
September 20, 2013
My deepest and sincerest condolences and prayers are with you, Judy, and all the family now and always. J.J. was a great man and good friend whom I will always remember fondly for his perpetual smile and kind heart.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Eleanor McCarthy
September 19, 2013
Karin
My condolence are with you
and your family.
Eleanor McCarthy
Maryellen
September 18, 2013
My sincerest condolences for the family and friends of John Roger Johnson. A terrible tragedy. May John R.I.P.
Scott Chamberland
September 18, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
September 18, 2013
Offering prayers of comfort to the Johnson family in the tragic loss of your "Dear Loved One".
"May the God who gives peace be with all of YOU". Romans 15:33
The Duncan's
Marilyn Segal-Leo
September 18, 2013
I remember when you and Judy first met. I was close to Judy then. Never stopped thinking of you both and now I will never get to tell you. God Bless you and your family forever.
DStallings
September 18, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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