RONALD JAMES JOHNSON

Ronald James Johnson died peacefully at home on August 30, 2021, fifteen months after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer. Ron was born in Mart, Texas on November 16, 1948 to Lt. Col. Edward James Johnson and Anne Stuckley Johnson, Esq. Ron and his eight siblings were descendants of Czechoslovakian immigrants, and were fourth generation Texans.

Ron graduated from Hubbard High School in 1968 where he participated in football and the rodeo team. He graduated from Southwest Texas State, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He received his Juris Doctorate in 1978 from St. Mary's School of Law and was admitted to the Texas State Bar that same year.

Ron began his distinguished law career as a clerk for the Honorable John H. Wood, Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. He then clerked for the Honorable Joseph C. Elliott of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, before entering private practice as a litigator in business bankruptcy.

Ron's life was guided by three of his mentors: San Antonio lawyer Harold D. Putman, who instilled in him a duty to help others who could not help themselves; Judge Wood, who inspired Ron's promise never to be intimidated by a judge or opposing counsel; and Judge Thomas M. Reavley of the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, who taught him that lawyers do not win cases: clients and the facts do.

Relying on his keen intuition and intellect, Ron chose his clients intentionally and fiercely advocated for them. These attributes also contributed to the great depth of understanding Ron shared with his family, friends, and those fortunate enough to receive his love and counsel.

Ron was a voracious reader with a love for spoken and written words. He was a student of history, and especially loved reading and re-reading J.R.R. Tolkien. Ron could turn a phrase and capture the attention of an entire room. His booming voice and commanding presence were always memorable.

Ron had a great fondness for animals, especially mules. He was an avid outdoorsman and could be found hunting and fishing on any given weekend. His cooking was legendary, and he especially enjoyed smoking brisket, pigs, fish, and chicken on his homemade pit - he was a true pit master. Very few can duplicate his specialties, such as pozole and holiday turkey.

Ron is survived by his devoted wife, Susan Hamilton Johnson, beloved daughters Allyson Loo (Ivan) of Houston, Ashley Johnson of Los Angeles, step daughters Margaret Smith of Oregon, Virginia Allen (Robert) and grandchildren Charles and Adele; best friend Michael Putman; brothers Shawn and Edward, sisters Anne Clark and Donna Miller; and many good friends, hunting buddies and fishing guides. He is preceded in death by his wife Sasa Ting Johnson, his parents, brothers Dennis and Kevin, and sisters Karal and Jan.

Services in honor of Ron's life will be held at St. Anthony de Padua, 102 Lorenz Road, on September 15th with recitation of the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. The family asks that anyone attending the service wear a mask. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health Science Center.