Axel J. Johnson III

Axel J. Johnson III, a beloved lifelong resident of Millville, NJ, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, after a five-year battle with cancer. Axel was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, friend, educator, counselor, coach, and mentor. His quick wit, magnetic personality and love for people impacted and influenced many lives. He leaves behind an enduring legacy.
Axel was an outstanding student athlete, first at Millville High School, competing in three sports and serving as the captain of the basketball team, and later at Trenton State College, competing in gymnastics, soccer and tennis. He survived a broken neck suffered in a gymnastics accident, after which he loved to tell the story of how he completed his archery class (as a health and physical education student) in a full neck brace. In the summer of 1960, after earning his Bachelor's degree, Axel married the love of his life, Irene (Sowitsky).
After Irene graduated, the newlyweds bought their home on Patricia Avenue (built by Irene's dad, Joseph), and settled into what would become 57 years of a beautiful life together during which they raised their three children: Axel IV, Darrin and Christian.
Professionally, Axel dedicated his life to education and touched the lives of countless children, first in Millville as a teacher and then in Vineland as a guidance counselor and Assistant Principal at Memorial School, and as a Principal at Dane Barse Elementary School. He loved working with children and did not hesitate to meet them at their level. Axel went into many homes in Vineland to work with students and to counsel their families. He also did things like dress up as Cher (for a Sonny and Cher bit) to entertain students during variety shows. Along the way, Axel earned two Master's degrees (Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania) and served as an active member of several professional organizations.
Axel also refereed basketball and soccer games at both the collegiate and high school level. In his younger days, he officiated numerous higher-level college games, including Big 5 Basketball games and championship college soccer games. As his children grew, he worked mostly high school games to stay close to home. He later added baseball and softball umpiring where he often worked games with his son and liked to complain that his son made him work the plate.
Beyond his professional life, Axel committed himself to bettering his community. He served as Red Cross Water Safety Chairman for twenty years, during which time he (and his beloved Irene) taught thousands of children how to swim both at Union Lake and in his backyard pool. Additionally, Axel served as the recreation coordinator for the City of Millville for 14 years where he established special programs such as the Beauty Pageant and Baby Show (which he would Emcee with his trademark humor and charisma). He also organized field day competitions for which he created unique events, like a slow bicycle race.
Axel devoted substantial time to the lives of his children and their friends. Whether playing street hockey or football, challenging the neighborhood kids to a foot race ("I'll beat you in my flip flops," he used to say), or hosting pool parties, Axel remained a fixture in the neighborhood. In addition, Axel had an instrumental role in bringing youth soccer to Millville in the early 1970s. He served as the coach to Millville's first youth soccer team, the Millville Merchants, who, in their first three seasons, established a record of 25-0-0. Axel's desire and commitment to his children and to the development of youth sports in Millville also led him to coach several of his sons' sports teams, to serve two terms as President of the American Little League and one term as Vice President of the Babe Ruth League, and to complete an eight-year term as Executive Director of Millville Soccer Youth League. His commitment to his children was also evident in his abiding love and care for the special needs of his middle child, Darrin.
In addition to his other activities, Axel remained actively involved in the Church and with volunteer work. Most recently, he attended Mount Pleasant Methodist Church where he sang in the choir, and volunteered at Help and Hope Ministries Food Bank, where he and his dear friends Mary DiPalma, Socorro Ortiz, and David Thompson delivered food to many families in the area and had a blast in the process (if only they had a Netflix film crew).
Axel is survived by his loving sons, Axel J. (Sherrie) Johnson IV, Darrin Johnson, and Christian (Anne) Johnson; his adored grandchildren, Taylor (Bohdan), Michaela, Christian, and Diana; and his dear sisters, Corrine Fithian and Elise Winton. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory. Axel was preceded in death by his father, Axel J. Johnson Jr., his mother, Avis Johnson, and his beloved spouse, Irene.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Christy Funeral Home, 11 W. Broad St., Millville, NJ, on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, with interment to follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Millville, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider donations to Help and Hope Ministries Food Bank (214 Howard St, Millville, NJ 08332) or Rise and Shine Ministries (8 E Mulberry St, Millville). Axel's family invites you to share your memories and condolences on his tribute wall.
Axel loved people and loved life. He lived out loud and his life is a testament to the power of sacrifice, service, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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