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John Isakson Obituary
December 28, 1944 -
December 19, 2021
John "Johnny" Hardy Isakson was born in Atlanta on December 28, 1944, the son of Edwin and Julia (Baker) Isakson. He died peacefully at home on December 19, 2021.
After graduating from Dykes High School, Johnny earned a bachelor's degree in business administration in 1966 from the University of Georgia. He then opened the first Cobb County branch of Northside Realty, the real estate firm his father founded. In 1979, he became president of the company, a post he held for 22 years.
Johnny served 14 years in the Georgia House of Representatives from 1977 to 1991, and four years in the State Senate from 1993 to 1997. In 1999, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives and served until 2004 when he was elected to the United States Senate. He served 15 years until retiring in December 2019.
In 1968, Johnny married Dianne Davison. They had three children: John, Kevin and Julie. His family attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for 30 years.
Johnny was preceded in death by his father, Edwin; mother, Julia; sister, Betty; and grandson, Charley. He is survived by his three children: John (Susan), Kevin (Katherine), Julie (Jay); his brother Andy (Nancy); eight grandchildren Jane, Elizabeth, Jack, Sarah Katherine, Riley, Cecilia, William, Hunter; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church 3180 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, Georgia, 30305. Visitation will precede the funeral from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. Due to COVID-19, all guests are required to wear a mask during the visitation and service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Isakson Initiative, the organization Johnny founded after retiring that is dedicated to raising awareness and funding for research related to neurocognitive diseases including: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and related dementia. The Isakson Initiative: Post Office Box 250116, Atlanta, Georgia 30325.
To view the service livestream on Thursday, January 6, 2022, please visit https://vimeo.com/659734454.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hmpattersonOglethorpe.com for the Isakson family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Isakson
Mark
July 8, 2022
rest in peace
KEITH D WASHINGTON
January 22, 2022
I had the opportunity to meet Senator Isakson when he present the Bronz Star, earned by my late father, a WWII veteran, to my mother. Senator Isakson spent time with my Mother and cut the cake we ordered. He also acknowledge the an elderly lady who raised him. During this turbulent time in our country's history we need more politicians like Senator Isakson. My late Mother, a lifetime Democrat, as well as the rest of those present at the ceremony all recognized what a unique man Senator Isakson was- He earned our votes in his successful re-election campaign. Senator Isakson may be gone but he will not be forgotten. May He Rest In Peace.
Brad and Carolyn Sears, Newnan
January 6, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers qre with all of you. we Will never forget our dinners with Senator Johnny in DC and his graciousness with our grandchildren. A picture of him with our oldest and youngest in April of 2019 will always be treasured by us and will be a lifelong reminder for them of what is meant by "A True Gentleman". God bless.
Fran Millar
January 6, 2022
A wonderful man and tremendous role model for anyone in public office.
Angie Walker
January 5, 2022
Condolences to Isakson families and friends.
Bill Foley
January 4, 2022
We are all better people from knowing you and working with you.
Daniel Rivkin
January 2, 2022
My condolences on Mr. Isackson´s passing.
John bucki
December 30, 2021
Thank you sir for all you did for us veterans R I P
Catherine and Tyler Wood
December 29, 2021
Dear Isakson Family,
Your Dad will be missed by so many people. Such a nice man and excellent, knowledgeable speaker.
Always meeting us for mortgage / real estate events in Atlanta or D.C. On a trip to D.C. once, it was so funny seeing Johnny´s best friend and industry representative, Richard Raymer, stick his head in your Dad´s office and smile. (Senator) Johnny was on the phone and yelled, "Richard, wait up!" He came hurriedly outside his office and changed his schedule, met us for dinner later and just made us feel so special.
We will be praying for comfort during this difficult time.
Reaganne Coile
December 28, 2021
I was an intern in 2019 and only got to sit down with Sen. Isakson for one hour at breakfast, but he taught me so much in that one hour and through the legacy he shared through his staff that has forever shaped my career in public service.
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Dianne, his family, and the entirety of Team Isakson!
Clint Murphy
December 27, 2021
Johnny Isakson was a pioneer ahead of his time. Had he won the 1990 Gubernatorial election, he surely would have been catapult into the names of others bounced around as possible national ticket partners. As a matter of fact, it was during that 1990 campaign that I first met Johnny Isakson when my dad was running for the State Senate. I heard him give a speech and it left me in awe. I knew then that I wanted to work in making a difference though politics in our society.
Every time I saw Johnny after that he always asked about my dad, commented on my hometown, and always greeted me like an old friend.
Years later when I worked at the NRCC and after Johnny had won his race to replace Newt, I put together a brunch with him as the featured speaker. This was the PAC community's first glimpse into who had one. With absolutely no notes, Johnny stepped up and the rest as they say is history. Everyone loved Johnny!
We are all better as citizens who knew him personally and as a state for having him represent us! Surely it will be a long time before someone of his integrity walks this way again...
Regina R. Nicholson
December 27, 2021
My deepest condolences and prayers to Mrs. Isakson and family.
Bruce Culpepper
December 27, 2021
I offer prayers for the family and friends. I have to say that Mr Isaacson was always quick to respond to my correspondences. I see him as a very loyal and honest man.
Senator Ed Harbison
December 27, 2021
My sincere condolences to the family of Sen Johnny Isakson. Sen Isakson and I were elected to the state senate in 1993 where he demonstrated solid statesmanship.
Al Goldstein
December 27, 2021
Johnny a man of integrity, a statesman a great American and especially a friend. Sympathy and prayers for the family a tragic loss for our nation.
Phyllis Argo
December 26, 2021
Johnny Isakson was a decent, caring man who is missed by all who met him. I send my condolences to his family.
Billy and Dianne Lovett
December 26, 2021
A great loss for Georgia and America. A great American who we all will miss. Our prayers are with the family.
Tom Harris
December 26, 2021
My most heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Isakson family. Johnny was a good friend and a true gentleman. His legacy will be unwavering commitment to principled leadership in business and politics.
Jake Walsh
December 25, 2021
Thankful for Sen. Isakson´s service to our country and to his state, and grateful for the example he left us - to serve one another and bring people together. God bless Sen. Isakson and his family.
Joyce Ringer
December 25, 2021
What a fine man who gave " politician" a good name. I´ve thought often of how much better our country would be now if only we´d listened to Johnny on emigration policy! Rest In Peace. You served us well. Good and faithful servant.
Baoky N. Vu
December 25, 2021
Johnny Isakson personifies the good that made America great. Through his display of civility and compromise without compromising his deeply-held principles, he was a shining example to me and many others who believed, and still believe today, that America is stronger when we are united, better when we are compassionate and richer through our diversity. A giant Georgian for the Ages.
Charlie Smith
December 24, 2021
300 years ago, Johnny sold me and my wife our first house in Cobb County. As a twenty-something first time homebuyer, I was an awful real estate client of course. A day or two before closing, (new construction) I discovered a cracked 9"x12" windowpane in the garage window, and of course elevated that to "there must be something wrong with the foundation, maybe we shouldn´t buy this house". My agent was unavailable, and as the supervising broker, Johnny came out, saw the window, and offered up his personal guarantee that the window would be repaired. We bought the house, all $39,000 worth of it (circa 1975).
I went on to work on Johnny´s various campaigns as a low-level volunteer. I also would tell this story whenever Johnny and I were together, and he would graciously pretend to remember.
Decades later, when Johnny was a member of the House, I got onto the Fairtax (HB 25) bandwagon, and pestered his staff enough to cause him to call me up one evening at 8PM or so. The conversation began "Charlie, this is Johnny Isakson, and my staff tells me you are writing and calling to help me run the government. Let´s talk about the Fairtax."
Yep.
Betty Rose Gibbs
December 24, 2021
I am honored that I worked for Johnny at Northside Realty, he was a special man!
G P Lewis
December 24, 2021
There has been no better man than Johnny Isaacson.
Chris Carson
December 24, 2021
A really good public servant, a decent man and a human being. Having spent time with the Senator during our travels between DC and Atlanta I was fortunate to understand some of what was happening in Congress and, especially, the GOP. Prayers to his family. RIP.
Fred O'Neal
December 21, 2021
I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with Senator Isakson. I called on him regularly as a member of our firm's Grassroots Government Task Force. He set such an example as a Statesman! Prayers to the family.
Kiona Byrd
December 21, 2021
Your thoughtful leadership was inspiring. Rest well, Sir.
Will and Denise Serkedakis
December 20, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We lost a great American on Sunday. He was a gentleman and friend.
Allen Goldstein
December 20, 2021
Diane my love and sympathy to you and the family. Johnny always a man of his word.
Len Lichtenfeld
December 20, 2021
A couple of years ago, while sharing a table with Senator Isakson in the gate area at Washington National, I watched as numerous folks from all walks of life came up to him to say hello. Throughout, he took their hands, shared some kind words, and always said "Thank you." That evening, when the plane landed at Hartsfield, he was escorted to his car waiting for him at the stairway on the tarmac. Before he got into that car, he went over to the police escort and shook every officer's hand and shared some words. To me, those short moments were the measure of a great man, one admired and loved by many--someone who was much greater than the politics of his office. In this day of hyper-partisanship, the Senator will always stand as someone of honor and decency, as someone who cared and shared of himself in the service of his state and his country. Many will feel his loss, and may his family find strength in his incredible memory during the days, months and years to come.
Steve Davison
December 20, 2021
sorry for your loss, living with parkinsons myself it must have been stressfull.
love Steve
JOSEPHINE THOMAS
December 20, 2021
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. REST IN PEACE SENATOR ISAKSON
Ann Marie Yohe
December 20, 2021
Truly a great man who left a legacy of many accomplishments to better the lives of many. He was also a kind, humble and gentle soul who considered all his equal. Always positive. His work included saving the pensions of about 70,000 Delta employees, he offered a comprehensive legislative reform of the Veteran Administration to improve delivery of their benefits, and numerous other positive and effective legislative changes.
Joe Roberson
December 19, 2021
May he Rest In Peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.
R. Coggin
December 19, 2021
Condolences to his family and friends. He made us all better.
Gary Henderson
December 19, 2021
My deepest sympathies to Senator Isakson´s family. May his memory live long in the hearts and minds of those of us that he served so well for so long.
Timothy Pruitt
December 19, 2021
Mr. Johnny Isakson was a great and kind man. He will missed by all who knew him.
My love and prayers go out to the family; now and always
Bill Hays
December 19, 2021
I only knew Johnny for the last 4 months of his life and in that short time I came to know him as a true friend. Johnny only saw good in people and I never observed his dislike of anyone or anything . He never criticized but always saw the good in people and there activities. I have tried to follow his footsteps but it is a hard job to be as kind, considerate, thoughtful and caring as Johnny. I will keep trying as I think of my real friend.
My heart goes out to Dianne and her wonderful family.
Grady L. Cornish
December 19, 2021
Though we believe death is the pathway to a better life, it is difficult to say goodbye. Family, during this difficult hour be comforted by the knowledge that America is a better place because Johnny passed this way. I am so thankful God put him in my path.
Srinivas Kasukurti
December 19, 2021
Saddened to hear about the loss of Senator Isakson. I had contacted his office about a concern few years ago and the response I got was very personal and touching. We need leaders like him and the world would be a better place. We will miss him dearly. Thank you Senator. You were a great leader and best person. My thoughts and prayers with your family
Marla Payne Wise
December 19, 2021
Mr. Isakson had the kind of character all those in public life should have. He and his ability to "reach across the aisle" politically will be sorely missed. My condolences to the family.
Sonny Ferguson
December 19, 2021
A giant in our time. From Northside Realty thru his many years of leadership in Georgia and the Senate, he never compromised his values. RIP Johnny - you will be missed by your many friends !
Cathy Henson
December 19, 2021
My mother, Cecile Stockhausen, and my daughter, Catherine Curlet, and I all had the pleasure of working for Johnny. He was beloved by three generations in my family. Johnny was one of the finest men we have ever known. He was a honest politician who successfully worked with Republicans and Democrats. We will miss him with all our hearts.
Dianne and family please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Stan
December 19, 2021
My condolences to the family and close friends.
Dave Garrett
December 19, 2021
Johnny was more than just a wonderful political bridgebuilder; he was one of the finest human beings I have ever known. I will always remember him taking on the Chairmanship of the Georgia Board of Education at the request of Governor Zell Miller, who had defeated Johnny in the last election. Johnny had the absolute respect of Republicans and Democrats alike. The world is a sadder place without Johnny. I am heartbroken.
Bobby Bell
December 19, 2021
A great Georgian and a great American. My deepest condolences for your loss.
Michael Pless
December 19, 2021
My condolences to the family and close friends.
Charlotte Kiley
December 19, 2021
My all-time favorite Senator...my heart is shattered. I love this man like he is my own family. I will never forget the day he walked into my office in the Russell Building to say hello to the military liaison folks. And who could forget how he fed us all that fantastic barbecue every summer? Thank you for your leadership and your service, Senator. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to Mrs. Isakson and their children.
Gary Berliner, MD
December 19, 2021
Prayers and Condolences.
Marilyn Dunphy
December 19, 2021
My condolences to the family. I loved working with Johnny at Northside Realty.
Teresa Davis
December 19, 2021
My parents met him and his wife in the airport a few years ago, and they could not have been nicer. It was as if they were old friends. Even after retirement, Senator Isakson truly cared about the people of Georgia. My prayers and condolences to his family. The pride of Georgia!
Christina Holmes Thoreson
December 19, 2021
I am sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Isakson's family.
Linda New
December 19, 2021
My condolences to his family and friends. Johnny Isaacson was a wise man respected by everyone. He will be missed.
A. Worthy
December 19, 2021
My condolences to his family and friends! I admired him for the good that he did and working for the betterment of all. He will be missed!
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