Mr. Julius Francis Johnson

Mr. Julius Francis Johnson Sr., 81, of Butternut Lane, Danbury went from labor to reward on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Danbury Hospital. He was the husband of Albertha (Jamison) Johnson of 60 years. Julius was born on July 4, 1940 in Sanford, FL a son to the late Dave Johnson and Eleanor Haynes. He was a 1958 graduate of Crooms High School in FL then going on to become a chef upon completing a certificate program in Culinary Arts. In high school, Julius exceled in football as a linebacker leading his team as well as the state of Florida in tackles for three straight years. Upon graduating, he continued his love for football in the 1960s making the semi-professional team of the Stamford Golden Bears where he was paid to "crash into guys the size of refrigerators". At 19, he relocated to Stamford, CT, where he met and married the love of his life, his wife of 60 years, Albertha Jamison. He worked for 60 years as a culinary specialist, 20 of which were spent at the Federal Correctional Institution. Julius volunteered for many years for the Beaver Brook Fire Department becoming Danbury's first black volunteer fireman. Aside from his main career as a chef, he and his wife, Albertha invested in multiple real estate endeavors and enjoyed the rewards of managing properties and profiting from many short-term ventures. Mr. Johnson was an active member of New Hope Baptist Church for 54 years. He was an avid bowler and devoted fan of UConn Girls' Basketball. He loved Jazz, Blues and the R&B classics but later fell in love with gospel music. Continuing his love for cooking, Julius prepared food for the homeless during the Christmas season at New Hope Baptist Church for over 15 years. Mr. Johnson catered food for numerous events around Connecticut as his reputation and incredible tasting food became valued and cherished. Mr. Johnson will be remembered as a man who loved nothing more than time spent with his family. All who had the opportunity to know him can testify to his infectious generosity, his refreshing boldness and tireless, joyful spirit. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike. Besides his wife Albertha of 60 years, Julius is survived by three children; Julius Johnson Jr. of San Diego, CA, Sherrilynn Johnson of Danbury and Darrick (Sandra) Johnson of Greensboro, NC; grandchildren; Lemar Johnson of Waterbury, CT, Ciara Harris of Waterbury, CT, Jordan H. Johnson of Greensboro, NC, Darrick (Ciara) Johnson Jr. of Greensboro, NC, Luke Johnson of Greensboro, NC, Julius F. Johnson III of San Diego, CA, great grandsons; Lemar Johnson Jr. of Waterbury, CT, Abel Johnson of Greensboro, NC, Zion Johnson of Greensboro, NC and Justice Julius Johnson of Waterbury, CT, one sister; Mercedes Stewart of Sanford, Fl, one aunt; Gladys Edwards of Westfield, NJ, sisters in law; Shelley Washington, Jersey City, NJ, Maryland Fuller, Vance, SC, Eileen, Arroyo, Virginia Beach, VA, Darlette Jamison, Vance, SC, Rebecca Jamison, Stratford, CT, Robin Jamison, Jersey City, NJ, Tasha Jamison, brothers in law; James Jamison Jr., Stratford, CT, Donald Jamison, GA, Melvin Jamison, Vance, SC, Randy Jamison, Jersey City, NJ, James Jones, Vance, SC, Goddaughter; Lennette McCullen of Middletown, CT, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by siblings, Katherine Brockington and Norman Lloyd.