| Graduation Year | Class of 1965 |
| Date of Passing | Feb 18, 2011 |
| About | Jerry "J.J." Johnson, 63, of Parkville, MO, passed away suddenly on February 18th, 2011 at St. Luke's Northland Hospital. Jerry was born on April 2, 1947 in Kukuihaele, Hawaii to George H. and Eunice Keala (Ah Puck) Johnson. He lived in Hawaii until he and his family moved to Burlington, Iowa in 1954 where he grew up and became a Hawkeye fan. After graduating from Burlington High School, Jerry joined the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam War Veteran. Once when asked if he would serve again, his response was, "in a heartbeat." In 1970 he moved to Kansas City where he began working for Continental Airlines and later became the cargo services supervisor. Jerry loved his job and the airlines and the friendships he made through them. This past July, Jerry celebrated his 40th anniversary with Continental and was looking forward to retirement, relaxation with Brenda and return visits to his beloved Hawaii. January 13, 1973 Jerry married Brenda Sue (Miesner) in Perryville, MO. They enjoyed six years of traveling the world before they were blessed with two daughters, Kara Lee Johnson of Parkville, MO and Corrie Hana Johnson of Seward, NE. He has always been involved with the girls activities and coached many seasons of softball and volleyball. He and Brenda enjoyed serving as Community Life Builders at the last three National Youth Gatherings of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. He was awed by the experience and loved his interaction with the teens and the bonds made with fellow believers and friendships with other adult volunteers. His family includes sisters, Geraldine Elmore (Tom) of Burlington, IA, Donna Brockett (Rick) of Gladstone, IL; brothers, Ron Johnson (Kevin Shelby) of Des Moines, IA, Don Johnson (Sue) of Mediapolis, IA, Phil Clevenger of Alexis, IL; and Bob and Katy Goodwin of Kansas City, MO, Merle and George Estabrook of Leavenworth, KS, Linda and Paul Huebner of Menomonee Falls, WI; nieces, nephews, and many, many cousins. Jerry was a stranger to no one and was a loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He loved his family and friends with all his heart and was always there with help, support, and a strong arm. His daughters, Kara and Corrie, were the light of his life and heart. An avid sports enthusiast, he loved playing any and all sports. In high school he was known as "The Hawaiian Eye" and played baseball, football, basketball, and ran track. He spent many years playing baseball and softball and in 1999 was named to the Northland Softball Hall of Fame. After "retiring" from the ballfields, he began playing golf with his buddies every chance he got and passing on his love of the Chiefs and Royals with Kara and Corrie. One of his favorite hobbies was working for Sports Express where he thoroughly enjoyed his interaction with the equipment managers and players of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Jerry was a longtime member of Christ Lutheran Church in Platte Woods, where he was baptized and confirmed in 1974; Parkville American Legion Post #318 and VFW Post #3756. Jerry loved his country and was a proud veteran. In memory of Jerry, memorials may be sent to Point Man International Ministries (serving veterans and their families) and to Christ Lutheran Church. A funeral service celebrating Jerry’s life will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 25, 2011 at Christ Lutheran Church with Rev. T.C. Arnold officiating. A committal service with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 p.m. Thursday at Christ Lutheran. The Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville has been entrusted with the final arrangements. |
