Alvin Jack JOHNSON

JOHNSON, Alvin Jack
Alvin J. Johnson passed way on October 16, 2011 at the age of 88. Jack was born in Meridian, Mississippi on March 19, 1923 to Ben and Clara Johnson. After enlisting in the Illinois National Guard at age 16, he entered into active duty with the Army at the outbreak of WWII until his retirement from the Air Force in 1969. He was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen and flew as an aircraft controller during the Korean War. While in service, he continued his education earning a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree which enabled him to begin a teaching career after his military service. He joined the faculty at American River College, teaching Asian studies and American history until his second retirement in 1984. He was an avid camera buff and had his own photography business as well. He was a model train enthusiast converting his garage into a layout city. While known for his commanding ways and leadership ability, he was always an outgoing, convivial guy, who liked to communicate and joke with everybody within sight enabling him to make many friends and accomplish goals.
Jack was preceded in death by his sons, Kenneth and David. He is survived by his wife, Cara, his sister, Clara Turner, his children: Alva Petway, Darlene Costa, Ben Johnson, Kathleen Vactor, Debra Bernard, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held at his home on Saturday, October 22 at 1:00 p.m. Final burial services will be held at the VA Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, CA on 4 November at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his name to the Tuskegee Airman Youth Fellowship Program, George S. 'Spanky' Roberts Chapter, Tuskegee Airman, Inc., P.O. Box 15029, Sacramento, CA 95851.