John Calvin Johnson

John C. Johnson “(known fondly as ‘Johnny’ and ‘Chief’)”, a devoted family member, esteemed friend, and retired decorated Air Force Chief Master Sergeant passed away suddenly on April 20, 2024 at the age of 76. Born on February 11, 1948 in Jacksonville, Florida, he dedicated his life to serving his country and community. He was stationed in Germany, Louisiana and Homestead, Florida but Jacksonville was always his home.

Throughout his 30 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, where he served in Vietnam, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and provided Cold War support, he demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership. He was deeply respected by his colleagues and mentored many Airmen and personnel throughout his illustrious career.

John C. Johnson received numerous accolades during his distinguished military career including Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Commendation Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, AF Organizational Excellence Award, AF Good Conduct Medal with one Silver Oak Leaf Cluster and four Oak Leaf Clusters and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Ribbon. Additionally during his military career he led two units to the highest honor that can be achieved in Air Force Petroleum Management, the American Petroleum Institute (API) Award. An accomplishment achieved by very few managers, let alone twice.

In retirement he continued to embody the values of integrity, service, and excellence. He was always striving to set the example on how to live your life and will be remembered fondly by all who knew him, not only for his military service but also for his kindness, humor, and generosity.

John loved his big family! He and wife Kayleen enjoyed finding out of the way spots for dinner, traveling to warm locations and competitive games of putt putt. He remembered birthday’s and sent cards with a meaningful handwritten note. He enjoyed sharing stories of his years with FUELS Department of Air Force, and kept in touch and was close with many of his childhood and military friends. He was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves, Jacksonville Jaguars and University of Florida Gators. He enjoyed fishing and wanted to fish more than he got to. Loved watching his grandchildren play various sports and enjoyed watching them grow up seeing and hearing the funny things they would do and say. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kayleen; son Scott (Angie) Johnson; daughter Carrie (David) Berry, and; stepchildren Juli (Evan) Ritter, Natalie (Chad) Kuhr, Gina (Gary) Dankert, Broward (Elizabeth) Coker, and Charlotte Mullis. He was a dedicated and loving grandfather to Ami (Chad) Halwes, Adam Wright, Danyelle Spong-Coker, Myra and Matthew Mullis, Caden, Logan, Dylan and Beckett Ritter and Myles and Mallory Kuhr, Jackie (David) Edmondson, Greg Marshall, Zac Johnson and Joshua Johnson. John also leaves behind one sister Kay Turrill and one brother Donald Johnson. Preceded in death by his parents, Pauline Jones Hiltz and Carl David Johnson; son; Shawn Johnson; siblings David Johnson, Gloria Jean Hoffman and prior wife Pat Johnson.

A Celebration of Life will be held for John in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday May 17, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel & Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.