Jonathan Ward Johnson

Jonathan (Jon Jon) Ward Johnson

was born in Augsburg, Germany on February 2, 1972. He is the fourth of five children born from the union of Thomas and Hermella Johnson.

Jonathan thrived, growing up in Columbia, MD, it was conducive to his outgoing, energetic, adventurous, and jovial personality. He forged lasting friendships from elementary, high school, college and throughout every season of his 51 years of life.

Jonathan’s father kept him and his brothers active in all types of sports. He listened and learned the game of golf while accompanying his dad on the Fort Meade, MD Golf Course.

His sport of choice was wrestling at Oakland Mills High School, which earned him an enviable spot on the Scorpion Wrestling Team. Those Alumni have been bonded in friendship ever since.

Jon’s amazing and remarkable memory, made him the family griot, telling many funny and sometimes serious stories of events of days gone bye.

Jon’s charismatic personality and infectious laugh was his winning formula for everyone around him. He was the life of the party, his presence at any event always guaranteed a good time.

Jonathan loved to cook and would man the grill at cookouts. One of his specialties was his deep dish eggplant parmesan made with love and a lot of cheese.

As a young father, Jonathan took his responsibilities seriously, as his son Jason was born only one month after the passing of his own father, Thomas Johnson.

He made it his priority to be the best dad he could be for his son devoting his life to raising Jason. He and Christie made a concerted effort to raise Jason in a loving environment with the support of the Van Deusen family.

Jon actively participated in every aspect of his sons life from early morning workouts to coaching school sports and playing golf regularly with him. As Jason grew and became an adult, their bond only grew stronger. They were best friends, and they made it a point to talk to each other every day. Jon's love and devotion to Jason were unwavering, and his legacy as a loving and devoted father will live on through the memories they shared together.

He spent many hours on the Hobbits and Fairway Hills golf course, playing rounds of golf and perfecting his swing.

His passion for golf positioned him to coach children and helping them develop their golf skills and grow in confidence, that made them feel seen and valued. Jon's legacy as a coach and mentor will live on through the countless children whose lives he touched.

Jonathan played in numerous tournaments throughout the United States and other countries. He also spearheaded the very successful “Thomas Johnson Memorial Golf Tournament”, spanning over a decade. Benefiting the University of Maryland and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, as recipients. This action in itself, is a testament to Jon’s Big-Heartedness.

Jonathan was a shining light in our family and his passing is a devastating loss for us and all who knew him. His memory will live on through the love, laughter, kindness and compassion he brought to our lives.

“Life is a gift, love is how you use it.”

Jonathan Ward Johnson’s earthly existence, ended on March 2, 2023. Rest in Peace, Jon-Jon.

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Jonathan is survived by:

Son: Jason Kyle Johnson(VanDeusen family)

Mother: Hermella Johnson,

Brother: Jerrold Johnson (Toniellen), Brother: Jarrett Johnson (Luba Shur),

Sister: Joyce Johnson,

Sister: Wanda Johnson Robinson,

Sister: Kim Johnson,

Aunt: Beverly Johnson Broady,

Niece: Ashley Johnson,

Cousin: Reginald Johnson, and a host of beloved cousins, aunts, uncles and friends too numerous to mention.

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Special Thanks and Acknowledgment:

To Jason’s maternal family, the Van Dusen’s for all the love and support.

To the “Brotherhood” and Jon’s close friends who were supportive and stood by him throughout his life.

For your gifts, flowers, cards, letters, food and all of the many ways that you have shown your support.

THANK YOU!

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“Only a moment you stayed, but what an imprint, your foot prints have left on our hearts.“

"A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can't help but live on in those it loved."

A a celebration of life for Jonathan will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Merriweather Post Pavilion VIP Area, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD 21044.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the Johnson family.