Jeffrey L. Johnson

GENEVA - Jeffrey L. Johnson passed away at home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, August 2, 2025. He was the son of Robert and Nancy Johnson, and was born July 7,1955 in Geneva, N.Y. He was a graduate of Geneva High School and Hobart College, and continued with graduate studies at Cornell University. The majority of his professional career was spent as a Director at Oak Ridge Associated Universities, providing supervision and support to postdoctoral fellows and administering grants and fellowships to students and graduate level researchers in scientific fields.

Jeffrey was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, step-father, brother-in-law and friend. His early life was spent on Mason Street in Geneva, exploring the railroad tracks, fields, swamps and back streets with neighborhood friends (especially his pal Larry Acquesta) before development erased those areas of Geneva wilderness. Later in life, he had a knack for finding treasures at auctions and junk shops, refinishing and refurbishing antiques and filling his home with period pieces and treasures.

He was a voracious reader of classic literature and listened to classical music, and enjoyed humorous and snarky recordings (Stan Berg, Lenny Bruce, Jonathan Winters, Firesign Theater). He loved hiking the countryside around Geneva, and on the Long Trail in Vermont. His quiet, subdued nature belied a complex, interested and caring character.

Jeffrey is survived by his wife Mary of Oak Ridge; stepdaughters Amy and Rachel; and 3 step grandchildren; brother Michael of Los Angeles; sister Margaret (Eric Allen); and niece Amelia in Warren, Vermont; sister-in-law Cornelia in Geneva, N.Y.; and nephews J.C. Johnson (Megan Daley) of Boston, MA and William Johnson (Maureen Leahy) of Chicago, IL; sister Bouangeone Watt (Laurence) of Geneva; and nephews James and Junsi; and his best friend, John Currie.

Jeffrey was predeceased by his parents and his brother Philip Johnson.

Jeffrey requested no service nor memorial contributions. Messages of condolence to share with family may be sent to margaretjohnson500@gmail.com or Peggy Johnson, 119 Johnson Road, Warren, VT 05674