John Joseph "JJ" Johnson

1923 - 2017

John Joseph "JJ" Johnson

Jan. 21, 1923

Aug. 10, 2017

John Joseph "JJ" Johnson passed away at his home after a long battle with lymphoma and dementia at the age of 94. John was born in Hayward, CA to Adolph and Evelyn Johnson and grew up in the Bay Area. He had an older sister June Nasuti and a younger brother Adolph Jr.

John was a natural athlete and played many sports but excelled in football, playing high school, Coast Guard and college ball at St. Mary's. Golf was also a passion and he played as long as he was able, well into his 90's. He was a born salesman and worked for Pacific Telephone, Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer, Del Chemical and many real estate endeavors, most recently in the Fernley area.

For all of John's career accomplishments his greatest joy and passion was his faith and family.His first marriage was to Margaret Shearburn and they had two daughters, Jeanette Weigel and Jennifer Lauchner. He met and married the love of his life Jan while residing in Hawaii, and had two more children Richard "Rick" Johnson and Anne Lemus. A career promotion brought John and his family to Reno and he fell in love with the area. John's involvement with the community and his children's activities led him to be President of North Valleys Little League, co-founder of Valley Equestrian Association and a Pop Warner coach. His Italian heritage was also important to him and he became very active in several Italian organizations. He was a very devout catholic and very involved with St. Michaels Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

John is survived by his wife Jan, daughters Jeanette Weigel, Jennifer Lauchner and Anne Lemus (Frankie), grandchildren Chrissy Choppin, Angie Johnson, Lisa Brier, Lance Lewis, Christopher Lewis and Cole Halvorsen. He had 11 great grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, many cousins and a nephew, Ron Nasuti. He was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Evelyn, sister June Nasuti, brother Adolph Jr., son Rick and many aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will be held on Sat., Aug. 19th at St. Michaels Church at 1:30 pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations in his name to St. Michaels Catholic Church, 14075 Mt. Vida, Reno, NV 89506.