THOMAS F. JOHNSON

JOHNSON THOMAS FRANK JOHNSON Thomas Frank Johnson, born September 27, 1920, Lynchburg, Virginia, son of Thomas Frank and Inez (McDaniel) Johnson, died at his home in Alexandria, Virginia, on December 28, 2014, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 63 years Margaret Ann (Emhardt); three children Thomas Emhardt (Julianne Mueller), William Harrison (Tracy Schario), and Rev. Sarah Lee Nelson; and seven grandchildren: Natalie and Garrett Johnson; and Gaelen, Caleb, Eliza Brynn, Keegan, and Maren Nelson. He completed studies in economics at the University of Virginia (B.A. 1943, M.A. 1947, and Ph. D. 1949) and was a member of the Thomas Jefferson Society. He also attended Lynchburg College (1939 - 41). Dr. Johnson was a veteran of WWII serving as a Lt. Commander in the Navy (PC 1191) in the Pacific from 1943 to 1945. He remained in the Navy Reserve until 1980. He moved to Alexandria and worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1949 - 51) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (1951 - 54). He then served as Assistant Commissioner of the Federal Housing Authority (1954 - 58) in charge of research and legislation during the implementation of the urban renewal provisions of the National Housing Act of the 1954. Dr. Johnson held senior leadership roles at the American Enterprise Institute for nearly 30 years (1958 - 87), including director of legislative analysis, research, and economic policy studies, culminating with Acting CEO (1986 - 87). He was responsible for recruitment of AEI scholars, editing the publications of the nation's preeminent economists and public policy planners including Jean Kirkpatrick, Carla Hills, Irving Krystal, Milton Friedman, Herb Stein, and Murray Wiedenbaum. Dr. Johnson was known as the "Dean of AEI" and influenced economic policy during seven presidential administrations - from John F. Kennedy to George H. W. Bush. Dr. Johnson also published numerous articles in professional journals and books such as Renewing America's Cities. He served on the Virginia Urban Assistance Incentive Fund Advisory Committee-appointed by Governor Linwood Holton and reappointed by Governor Miles Godwin. He taught economics at the University of Virginia, George Mason University, and The George Washington University. Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson was active in professional societies such as the National Association of Business Economists (chapter president 1971), Institute for Social Science Research, Royal Economic Society (U.K.), National Tax Association, and American Finance Association. He was a member of the Cosmos Club. Dr. Johnson was engaged in the community serving on the (Inova) Alexandria Hospital Board of Directors (1965 - 71; president 1970 - 71); the Alexandria School Board (1974 - 76); and vestry for St. Paul's Episcopal Church and Immanuel on the Hill Episcopal Church. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Paul's Foundation/Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Paul's Foundation/Episcopal Church or a charity of your choice.