Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Jessie L. Johnson

About

University of Nebraska

FUNERAL HOME

Shrine of Remembrance

1730 East Fountain Blvd.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Jessie Johnson Obituary

July 24, 1942 - July 20, 2008. Major Jessie Lee Johnson, USAF (Ret.), a resident of Colorado Springs since 1981 passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at 6:20am at Penrose Main Hospital. He was retired after 31 years of service to his country in the United States Air Force. He was an associate professor and instructor at the Air Force Academy. He was the office manager for SDDS on Babcock Road in Colorado Springs. Jessie was born on July 24, 1942 in Mound Bayou, Mississippi to the late Ross and Lillie Ray (Beckom) Johnson. He was a graduate of Mound Bayou High School in Mississippi and Chapman College in California for his undergraduate degree. He received his Master's Degree in Economics from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He met the love of his life, Portia Angelica Mayers, a native of Barbados, West Indies in Kilburn, London in 1963, while stationed at South Ruislip AFB in England. They were married on June 4, 1966 in South Harrow, England. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran, and a man of honor and integrity. Major Johnson was awarded an Associate Professorship at the United States Air Force Academy. He enjoyed watching football and baseball, tinkering under the hood of cars, working out, gardening, fishing, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. His sense of humor and warm personality endeared him to everyone who met him. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Portia Johnson; his daughter, Anthea (husband, Nathan) Johnson Rooen of Westminster, Colorado; his son Kevin Lee (wife, Laura Gerard) Johnson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; his brothers: Dunn (wife, Jeannette) Johnson of Jackson, Mississippi, Lamour Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri; his sisters: Gina (husband, Frederick) Hobson of Madison, Mississippi, Alma Johnson, Beatrice Johnson and Arletha (husband, Willy) Hill, all of St. Louis, Missouri and Patricia Ann (husband, Marshall) Swindell of District Heights, Maryland. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and numerous other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters: La Gloria and Jeannette and his brother Melvin. A visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at the Shrine of Remembrance Funeral Home. Funeral Services with military honors will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at the Sunrise United Methodist Church 2655 Briargate Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80920. Graveside services will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, July 31 at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver at Staging Area "B." Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 415 N. Tejon Street, Suite 201, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903 and American Lung Association, 5600 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Suite 100, Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111. He was truly a good man, who truly loved his country and he will be dearly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jul. 24, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Jessie Johnson

23 Entries

James A. & Theresa Wilson, Jr. & Fam.

August 11, 2008

Had you and yours on our mind and
in our hearts prayers are going up.
Keep the Faith and be encouraged in
hope,love and peace in God.

ps Our card was returned.

Lou E. Lewis-Hall-Mound Bayou High School-Class of 1961

August 8, 2008

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Willie L. Washingto-Mound Bayou High School-Class of 1961

August 1, 2008

Portia Johnson,
Just to let you know that many thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.

With Sympathy,
Willie L. & Nelson Washington-

Doris Florine Gibson-Your Classmate-Mound Bayou High School, Mound Bayou, Ms

July 30, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Lilly P. Gibson-Mound Bayou High School-Mound Bayou, Ms

July 30, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Juanita Apreal Williamson-Your Classmate-Mound Bayou High School-Class of 1961

July 30, 2008

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Rochelle Young

July 29, 2008

Dear Portia and Family,
I am most sorrowful for your loss. Major Johnson meant the world to me. From serving together at the USAF Academy to hard fought battles on the racquetball court--Jesse was a great man with a heart of gold, unquestionable integrity, and deep love for his family and friends. He will certainly be missed by those who had the honor of meeting him. I wish all of you well during this difficult journey.
With warmest regards and love,
Rochelle

Karen MacMillan

July 29, 2008

Portia and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. From what I hear, Jessie was an incredible man and my heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Although I'm no longer in CO, I am here for you if needed. God bless you all.

Cat Donovan

July 28, 2008

Dear Portia,
On behalf of the USAFA Officers' Spouses' Club, we are all so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Marypat Wilner

July 28, 2008

Portia I am so saddened to hear of Jesse's passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

David Wells

July 27, 2008

To the Johnson Family: Sorry for the loss of your love one. Jessie was a wonderful person, he and his sense of humor will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Our prayers are with you and the family. David Wells

Mound Bayou High School Class of 1961

July 27, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

KATIE & JERRY LUTHER

July 26, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

William Jennings

July 25, 2008

The Johnson Family, When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.I'm here for you.

Elise Graninger

July 25, 2008

Dear Johnson Family,
We were so sad to hear about your loss. Anthea always talked so fondly and lovingly about her Dad. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love Elise, Pat, Mandy,and Sean Graninger

Curtis & Lennie Devin

July 25, 2008

Portia:
We are so sorry to learn of Jesse's passing. Please know that you and your family are remembered in our prayers. You are not alone in your sorrow.

Suzy Campbell

July 25, 2008

Dear Johnson Family, I was very saddened to learn of Jessie's passing. I so enjoyed getting to meet him after hearing Anthea talk about him for so many years. He was the type of man who made you laugh. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Beth (Becker) Hjelmstad

July 25, 2008

Portia, Anthea, Kevin and Family,
My heart goes out to you at the loss of Jessie. He has always been such an awesome man. May God's peace carry you through this time.

Col. Steven and Cher DeCoud

July 24, 2008

We are sorry to hear of your loss. You and Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

valerie and brian gibson

July 24, 2008

dear Johnson family - Jesse was a legend with all of Anthea's friends at the University of Colorado. Anthea spoke of him and told so many great family stories it was such a pleasure to finally meet him. He lived up to the legend when we met him and got to know him. Our thoughts, prayers and hearts are with you all. We love you!
Valerie and Brian Gibson them.

Kenneth and Tamara Conley

July 24, 2008

Johnson Family
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our prayers.
The Conley Family

Jon Meader

July 24, 2008

We here at SDDS Inc. are very sorry for your loss. Jessie was a wonderful person to know and work with. He will be missed by all.
You are all in our prayers.

From the staff of Health Care Svs.

July 24, 2008

Dear family and friends:
So sorry to hear of your loss. I leave my deep condolences. Psalms 46:1 reads: "God is our shelter and our refuge a timely help in trouble." (New English Version)

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results