James "Michael" Johnson

James "Michael" Johnson, died on Friday, March 6, 2026. As a devoted husband, good neighbor, and steadfast friend and mentor, Michael invited us to experience his brand of kindness, strength, and compassion through his everyday actions. Please find satisfaction in knowing that Michael left this world the same way he lived in it: Calm and strong. He came from a deeper place. A man of simple virtues and a long view-unassuming and unshakeable-Michael naturally found the best in every situation he met.

Michael shouldered glioblastoma-an inoperable form of brain cancer and a tyrannical, ruthless adversary-for eight months. But it cowered before his lifetime of integrity, warmth, and wit in the service of the country and people he loved.

Michael (Mike to some of us) started working for the Department of Defense (DoD) back when the NSA acronym stood for "No Such Agency" and would only become widely known through Tom Clancy books and Hollywood movies in the decades that followed. Over his 30+ year career at the National Security Agency, involving more than a little personal sacrifice, Mike's engineering skills, sharp mind, and thoughtful leadership saw him rise from a junior electrical engineer to chief of a major organization.

Mike started interning with the NSA as a sophomore at Purdue University when the Internet was only a cool chat tool available to a small number of universities and government facilities, and "cybersecurity" was decades away from being a buzzword. He finished his career having successfully protected our national intelligence from the biggest threats to the nation, overseeing thousands of personnel worldwide.

Charged with protecting the operations of our Nation's most valuable computing and communications systems-Michael's work ensured the delivery of critical intelligence on world-changing events including the Cold War and fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf Wars, September 11th, and hundreds of lesser-known global events. Even though he would never say so, Mike's work resulted in a safer country for all of us and positively impacted hundreds of fellow Agency members on their way up.

"Please make sure Cathy is taken care of; don't worry about me." During his illness, these were his exact words to so many. He lived for her happiness. Their energy together lit them from within. Enabled by mutual respect and unconditional love, Michael and Cathy soared in each other's company,

Ever curious, they loved to dive deep. A former illustrator for the Smithsonian and a classical realism artist, Cathy introduced Michael to the world of art. Starting with drawing classes and moving on to oil painting in retirement, Michael steadily progressed from stick figure drawing to impressive still life, figure, and landscape painting. They especially loved traveling to Russia to study the techniques of the Old Masters. While at home, they continued that journey through an extensive collection of art books.

A martial arts and self-defense instructor, Cathy also ignited Michael's passion for Japanese culture. Together, they studied Karate-both Chinese soft style and Japanese hard style-before moving on to Budo Taijutsu. They traveled to Japan nine times to study under Masaaki Hatsumi, the grandmaster of Ninjutsu, who emphasized natural movement over raw strength. Michael earned three black belts, achieved the 15th Dan level alongside Cathy, and taught Budo with her in the dojo he installed in their home.

Michael and Cathy traveled to Jackson Hole every winter to ski, paint, and photograph wildlife. They delighted in hosting epic themed costume parties for Halloween, Thanksgiving dinners for neighbors and friends, and legendary "white elephant" get togethers after Christmas. From scuba diving and Reiki to World of Warcraft to perfecting the art of a Starbucks run, every activity carried a sense of adventure. Ever an Eagle scout, Michael also served as the treasurer, "tree guy," and president of his neighborhood HOA for many years. He was a self-taught photographer, a dedicated gardener, a speculative sci-fi polymath, and a quiet devotee of the Ravens, the Orioles, and sporting news.

We are grateful for Michael's life with us. Let us carry forward his enthusiasm for seeing things grow-be they people, skills, projects, animals, plants, or sports teams.

Michael is survived by his wife, Cathy Johnson of Maryland; his brother, Paul Johnson of California; brothers Kevin (Pam) Johnson of Colorado and Chris (Pam) Johnson of Illinois; sister Stacy (Joe) Sopcich of Kansas City; seven beloved nieces and nephews; a great-niece and great-nephew. Michael was predeceased by his parents, James E. and Joyce A. Johnson, as well as his mother-in-law, Helen Pasquale.

Energy can never die, only change form. Michael lives on in all of us. A celebration of life service and reception will be held on May 2 at 11:00 a.m. at The Catholic Community at Relay, 5025 Cedar Avenue, Halethorpe, Maryland, 21227.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Glioblastoma Research Organization (GBRO) https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate, or Keep Punching https://www.keeppunching.org/.