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Poughkeepsie Day School Fisk University Vassar College

FUNERAL HOME

Smith Funeral Directors, Inc

706 Monroe St.

Nashville, Tennessee

JEH JOHNSON Obituary

JOHNSON--Jeh V. The partners, counsel, associates and staff of the firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP express profound sorrow at the death on January 27th of Jeh V. Johnson, beloved father of our friend and partner, Jeh C. Johnson. We express our deepest sympathies to Jeh, his wife Susan DiMarco, their children, Natalie M. Johnson and Jeh C. Johnson, Jr. and to all other members of the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Jan. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JEH JOHNSON

38 Entries

Pamela J. Elwell

Planted Trees

geneva rayford

July 23, 2022

Rest in Heaven

Thomas Fowler IV, DPACSA, FAIA

November 23, 2021

I first met Jeh when I worked in Gary McNeil's Office on 72nd Street in Manhattan. Jeh was one of three partners of the firm LeGendre, Johnson, McNeil. I had just started working for my Gary (who was a cousin on my mother's side of the family) the summer of 1978 right after I had graduated from High School and continued working summers full-time and part-time during the school year while I was completing my 5 year BARCH degree. I do remember meeting Jeh very clearly that first summer even after close to 4 decades of time passing. I do remember how personable he was and how interested he became in my ambitions for becoming an architect. He always had amazingly insightful stories to tell and every time he came into the office he made it a point to catch up with me on how I was doing. After moving out of NYC for additional internship work and onto graduate school and eventually became a full time academic at University in California. I did, however, periodically run into Jeh at a range of conferences and we did have a change to catch up with him and hear additional and insightful "Jeh stories". He will be missed. He was such a warm and personable soul that I feel lucky to have known him and his stories were very helpful during my career journey.

Kenneth Allen

July 12, 2021

Jeh hired me to work in his office in 1978. I learned fundamental guidelines of how an office worked.

Simon Green

April 2, 2021

I am truly sorry to learn about Prof. Johnson's passing. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. I was a student of his at Vassar in the mid 80's, and his impact on me continues to this day. His respect and kindness were so evident, and his willingness to be so generous with his knowledge and time (I had enthusiasm but little to no drafting ability) continues to resonate with me. I was always rapt when he would share not only his views on design, but even more so when he would quietly share some of he personal history. Guess this is my way of letting those closest to him know how much he impacted one of his middling students.

Wishing you deepest sympathies,
Simon Green

Richard Lemuel Sewell

March 1, 2021

In Appreciation of the Life of Jeh Vincent Johnson:

I share my deepest and heartfelt sympathy with the family of Jeh Vincent Johnson.

In 1973, I'd been swinging a hammer and cutting grass for the two years since dropping out of college, when I decided to pursue architecture. Having applied to Rhode Island School of Design I was scheduled for an interview. Upon learning of this, Jeh's sister, Pat Clifford (my mother's best friend since they met as children at Camp Atwater), was determined to have me stop in Poughkeepsie (NY) to meet her brother, "the architect". The drive from Philly to Providence was long and I was happy to spend a couple of days with Jeh, his beautiful wife (Norma), sweet and lovely daughter (Marguerite), and destined for greatness son Jeh, along the way.

While there, I visited his firm's office, toured the city filled with his work, and sat in on one of his Vassar class lectures; developing a remarkable architectural vocabulary over the course of my stay. And then, I don't know if it was something that I said or something that I didn't say, but Jeh uttered twelve words that I would carry with me throughout my career as an architect, business owner, corporate and construction executive - there is something more important than designing "fat" houses for rich folks.

As I left the Johnson home, headed for RISD, I was sent off with a new motto, two packs of Pall Malls (it was after all 1973 and I'd finished my pack of Camels the night before), and the distinct sense that I would ace my interview - I did. For that and the wonderfully rewarding career that followed, I appreciate Jeh Johnson, his inspiring insight and encouragement.

Jeh was a great man in a family of great men and women. Rest in peace, dear friend...

Herschel Stegar

February 18, 2021

I remember Jeh when I lived with his parents at Heritage House and he would come home from Columbia University for the weekend....God be wiith him and his wonderful family......

Marjorie L. Hart

February 13, 2021

It was a great pleasure and privilege to serve on the Scenic Hudson Board with Jeh in the early 1990's. He was a man of great good humor, good judgement and management savvy.
These attributes and his architectural expertise and design perspective were valuable assets to our deliberations. We remember him with great respect and affection. We offer deep condolences to his extended family.

Viki Davis Schaub

February 12, 2021

I have fond memories of Mr Johnson. He was my valued professor at Vassar and although I did not become an architect I have managed my husband’s architectural firm with experience gained under his tutelage. He was a classmate of my father, Tom Davis, at Columbia. My fondest memory of him and his family was tutoring his son “Jeh Jeh” with Spanish and babysitting him as well as his sister, Marguerite when the Johnsons attended an architectural convention and we watched the Knicks win the National Championship in 1973. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Viki Davis Schaub

February 12, 2021

Greg Griffin Sr

February 11, 2021

There is something nice about everybody, but everything was nice about Mr. Johnson. I treasure the memories that I have of him. Words can not adequately express my admiration for him. Heaven has another Angel.

Claire Lyte-Graham

February 10, 2021

So very sorry for your loss. I met Professor Johnson in 1984 as a freshman at Vassar. I was in a class and also had a work/study opportunity with him. He was always kind, unassuming, and helpful. As an African-American female it was an inspiration seeing someone of his caliber in that field.

Erika [Talesnik] Krieger

February 8, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful friend and mentor.

Michèle & the team

Planted Trees

Dorothy Gillem

February 5, 2021

I’m so very sorry to hear about Cousin Jeh.

Dorothy Gillem

February 5, 2021

I’m so very sorry to hear about Cousin Jeh.

Brian Goldstein

February 3, 2021

I was so fortunate to spend an afternoon with Mr. Johnson in January 2018, recording an oral history about his long friendship with Max Bond. It was a highlight of my life and we became occasional penpals over the last two years, so this news brings me great sadness. I grieve for Jeh Johnson and hope that the news of his wonderful career and brilliance reaches many ears. Mr. Johnson's family and friends will be on my mind.

Earle Robinson Jr MD

February 3, 2021

My deepest condolenses. We were cousins growing up, me from the North, he from the South as children. In recent years we would chat at length about our lives. I will miss the the long phone calls we had about our lives. He was one of the most genuine individuals one could know. You'll be sorely missed.

Sherrill Whyte

February 2, 2021

May his soul rest in Peace.
My daughter received a scholarship from RC Ketcham in his name.
My condolences to his family .

August Walker

February 2, 2021

A wonderful person

Anthony DeMond

February 1, 2021

The magic of the internet! I cried reading all the kind words for Jeh. Many memories returned. I thank your mom for giving us a place to stay when my family returned from Europe. I thank you for giving us a place to go to get out of the city on a Saturday or Sunday. Up the Taconic State Parkway and we are at Jeh and Norma's, yay! I remember going into the living room where all the men were gathered around the TV. What's going on? Shh, Notre Dame is playing. I can't attend the funeral but I am with the family and memory lane is long and beautiful.
Your Cousin, Anthony

Kim O'Connor

Planted Trees

Karen Getter

February 1, 2021

I am thankful to have known Professor Johnson and to have
received his professional advice. Long after retirement from Vassar College, his contributions positively impacts our lives. Karen Getter, College Administrator

ConnieLaRossa & Sue Ramanathan

Planted Trees

Theo J Foreman

January 31, 2021

Will miss my beloved cousin.. god bless.. condilences to Cousin Jeh and all the family❤

Kimberly Dowdell

January 31, 2021

Mr. Jeh V. Johnson was an inspiration to generations of architects and he will be sorely missed by our profession, especially by those who are members of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). Mr. Johnson was NOMA’s last surviving founder, one among a bold group of 12 pioneers who had the courage to imagine new possibilities for architects of color in 1971. I had the great privilege of serving as NOMA’s 33rd President from 2019-2020, which gave me the unique opportunity to meet Mr. Jeh V. Johnson as we celebrated him at our annual conference in Brooklyn, NY in 2019. Being in his presence and publicly acknowledging his contributions to our organization was among the greatest highlights of my term as NOMA President and a memory that I will cherish as I work with my NOMA colleagues to continue Mr. Johnson’s legacy. My heart goes out to his family, friends and community in the wake of this tremendous loss. Jeh may be gone, but he will not be forgotten by NOMA. Special thanks to Mr. Jeh V. Johnson’s family for sharing him with our organization for 50 years.

Sending Love & Light,
Kimberly Dowdell
NOMA Past President

joshua levin

January 31, 2021

My condolences to the entire family. Having grown up in Poughkeepsie and know the family as a child it is very moving to recall the fond memories of our families and times shared at The Poughkeepsie Day School.
My his soul rest in peace and may his family bask in the beauty of his legacy and love.
Josh levin

Bob Dietz

January 31, 2021

Very sorry for your loss. It was always a pleasant experience when Jeh and I worked on various projects in Poughkeepsie.

Bob Dietz

Laurette LeGendre, AIA,NCARB,STS

January 31, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest in peace - my former business partner and mentor. A Gentleman
and a Gem. Your guidance and support has been a Treasure. Thanks for your guidance and support to LeGendre/Johnson/McNeil
Architects & Planners.
Sleep in heavenly peace.

Laurette Michele LeGendre, AIA, NCARB, STS
Silver Spring, MD

Richard A. Leigh

January 30, 2021

A KIND SOUL HAS PASSED.

As a member of the City of Poughkeepsie Traffic Commission and Police Department in the 1970s & 80s through the planning department, I had the pleasure to work with Jeh. Years later, we had the chance to reminisce in person and on the phone. I felt important and so glad to have known him.

SINCERELY,

RICHARD A. LEIGH

PLEASANT VALLEY, N.Y.

Andrea H Ciminello

January 30, 2021

I had the honor of working with Jeh on several housing and community development projects in Poughkeepsie. He was brilliant, kind and caring. Jeh's imprint on this community is lasting. When his son, Jeh, was appointed to Obama's cabinet as Homeland Security Secretary, I wrote to Jeh and we reconnected over several conversations. He was so very proud of his family. A beautiful, talented and compassionate soul. I am blessed to have known him.

Deborah Meyer DeWan

January 30, 2021

Deep condolences to the Johnson family. I had the honor of knowing Jeh Johnson during my years at Scenic Hudson on whose Board he served. As director of Scenic's Riverfront Program I tapped Jeh's expertise and wisdom on more than one occasion when addressing a riverfront development issue. He was always kind and on point with his guidance. When I saw his son as President Obama's DHS I had a special feeling of gratitude for the Johnson family, and will always remember Jeh with great fondness.

Richard McHugh

January 30, 2021

Prayers for the Johnson family. Working the polls at Sheafe Rd. School for a number of years, I looked forward to meet Mr. and Mrs. Johnson when they came to vote.

Leroy Wilson, Jr

January 30, 2021

I remember Jeh as a friend and helpful individual. In particular, when I was an attorney at IBM, but doing pro Bono work living in Newburgh, the NAACP had an urgent need for some photocopies. Jeh opened his offices in Poughkeepsie on a Sunday and allowed us to make copies. One day he told me the secret of urban development - cities tended to grow around the location of banks! Rest In Peace, my friend. Morehouse (‘61/62).

Debbie

January 29, 2021

To jeh and Susan sorry for your loss

Kiai (Eunice) Kim

January 29, 2021

Mr. Johnson, my favorite teacher at Vassar. I think of you often when playing with floor plans always remembering your encouragement and personal attention, teaching us not only to draft but to design with thoughtfulness and care. Thank you.