Samuel V. Johnson Jr.

. Samuel V. Johnson, Jr. was born September 26, 1949, at KU Medical Center, in Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Eddie and Samuel Johnson Sr. Sam attended school in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Wyandotte High School. At an early age Sam became interested in music. He played all over the United States and everyone knew Sam for his music. After graduation Sam became a member of the United States Army. He was ranked as a Specialist 4th Class. During his military career, he joined with other United States Army musicians playing music which he loved. Sam met the love of his life, Pam, in 1983. In Sam's words, "we met under weird circumstances, she was standing by Mayor Berkley at the Mutual Musician Foundation, then we were introduced to each other. Then, we started working together, then we became friends and then it went on from there. She was my helpmate and my wife". You could not say Sam in the music world without saying Pam. They received many awards. Sam and Pam created and operated the Elder Statesman of Kansas City Jazz and Leumas Musical Services. In 2006, Sam and Pam partnered with Covenant Presbyterian Church in Kansas City, MO and created the first every Musicians Food Pantry. About Sam: He was born and raised in Wyandotte County, he had 2 natural children, he was Professional Musician, he loved baseball, Spring was his favorite Season, and he was happiest playing music. Sam was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church.
His loving wife, Pamela Jean Anderson Hider Johnson, daughter, Portia Katheryn Johnson, cousin, Patricia M. Washington preceded him in death.
Sam leaves to cherish his memory a son, Samuel Rufus Johnson (Ashlee), Granddaughters, Jada Gates Doss (Marquis), Dejah Johnson, Grandchildren, Zeni Johnson, His dutiful Cousin; Pamela Peppers (Ivy) Pamela Hider-Johnson's Children: Stacy Jackson (John), Alfreda Clemons (Christopher), Gary Hider Jr. (Esstarra), and Avalynn Hider. Pamela Hider-Johnson's Grandchildren who affectionately called him Pappy Sam: Adreauna Aaron (Carl), Charlene Jackson, Dezmon Rozell, Deron Rozell II, Tyler Hider, Audrey Jackson, Euliziah Hider, Abia Rozell, Johnathon Jackson, Jospeh Jackson, Z-Mya Hider, Tyson Hider, Taylor Hider, John Mims Jr, Eunique Hider, and Gia Hider. Also, his committed barber; Reuben (Pete) Goff, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to acknowledge with heartfelt appreciation the cards, prayers and kind words of the Kansas and Missouri Jazz community, St. James United Methodist Church, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Second Baptist Church and a special thanks to Kansas City Hospice and Stratford Commons Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Memorial service and Jam Session will be held on January 8, 2025 beginning at 10 am Memorial services will begin at 12 noon at the Watkins Heritage Chapel 4000 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd. Kansas City Mo., For further information contact Watkins Heritage Chapel at 816-861-3030.