Jack William Johnson, age 75, passed away from complications of emphysema, on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He was born on June 28, 1936 to Herbert and Faye (Sigurdson) Johnson.
Jack attended one year at Whatcom Junior High in Bellingham and then Adams, Monroe and Ballard High School’s in Seattle. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he spent 8 years of active service of which 3 years were with the 262nd WANG in Bellingham. He loved all of his military service as it gave him the opportunity to meet the love of his life and best friend, Gloria Eiriksson, whom he met while stationed at Birch Bay, just out of Blaine. They were married on July 26, 1958 and they had two sons, Russ (born in 1959) and Rick (born in 1962).
Jack worked for the GSA in telecommunications for 30 years and later worked with his brother-in-law, Al Anthony, building a water treatment plant in Maui and later worked for UNAT Telecommunication Co. in Mount Vernon and Anchorage for 6 years.
Jack lived in Pacific, WA for 25 years, where at one time he was on the City Council and for 5 ½ years he served as Mayor. He later resided in Prince George, British Columbia, Arizona, Maui, Anchorage, and upon his retirement he settled in Sedro-Woolley.
Jack was a sports nut, he loved golf (5 hdcp), bowling (180), baseball, football, basketball and volleyball and played them all. While in the Air Force, he played baseball in Canada and Arizona, winning 3 MVP’s. After his discharge, he played lots of fast and slow pitch softball with the Cool’s Café team in the Auburn City League (won division several times). Jack enjoyed golfing, especially with his friends, Al Anthony, Chuck Parmelee, Bob Bradley, and Jed Fisher. He and Gloria enjoyed going to Casino’s and they enjoyed the Skagit the most, where they knew both workers and players.
Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gloria Ann Johnson, of Sedro-Woolley. A granddaughter, Tiffany Marie Risner and her son Adam Risner Jr. of New York; his sister, Arlene Anthony and her husband, Alfred of Edmonds; a brother, Herbert Johnson and his wife, Joyce of Seattle and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Rick in 1995 and Russ in 1999 and a sister, Charlene Graff.
At Jack’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements and cremation are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
I got the notice today from Carolyn Scott. I remember working with Jack at GSA, although I was in a different section. He was always so cheerful and happy. I enjoyed knowing him. My sympathy to you.
Jack was a terrific man and so sorry for his loss.
Though I was only an acquaintance of Jack’s who saw him a few times a month, I always looked forward to our meetings. He had a good sense of humor, a down-to-earth personality and a basic decency that made him special. He will be missed.
Hi Gloria, it was so good to talk with you two on the phone while I was there in June,
We are deeply sorry and you have our deepest sympathy, we love you very much, you are “Family” to us, I will always remember JACK in a GOOD LIGHT.
We will see you on our next visit up to WA.
much love, Bob and Regina Bradley
Gloria, we are sad to hear of Jack’s passing. I always enjoyed his smile and kind gentle demeanor. He will be greatly missed as a part of our casino family here at The Skagit.
Betty Jo and Family Ted and I are so sorry to read of John’s passing. We remember all the fun we had at our picnics at your place in Monroe. Deepest sympothy to you all. Lots of love, Maary Lou and Ted