John V Johnson

advocate, peacefully entered Heaven, on September 26th. Born and raised in Lakewood, Jack moved

throughout New Jersey, serving as Pastor for United Methodist Churches in Toms River, Princeton,

Oakhurst, Hazlet, and Trenton. He also served as GNJUMC District Superintendent before settling in

Columbus to enjoy his retirement-though all who knew him would say he never truly retired.

Jack’s greatest joy was his family and friends, especially his beloved wife of 56 years, Coleen, and

their large, loving family. He was the proud father to Joshua and Karrie Jayne; Jeremiah and Julie;

James and Hae. Grandfather to cherished grandchildren Kyle, Connor, Jacob, Piper, and Nathaniel.

Loving brother to Tom and Ann; Robin and Diane; and Julie Aberger. Uncle to Tamber and Steve;

Tosca and Scott; Terrance; Chuck; Kate and Rich;Johann and Lindsay; and Helen and Ben. As well

as great nieces and nephews and dear friends Jack considered family.

Jack lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures. Whether it was sitting on his porch in Maine or

patio in New Jersey, he loved to relax listening to opera and reading a book, The New Yorker, or the

New York Times. As a laid-back gardener with a green thumb, Jack took joy in growing geraniums,

zinnias, and tomatoes. His ever flowing fountain and stocked bird feeders attracted a variety of birds,

adding to the serenity he loved.

An ordained United Methodist Minister of the GNJ, Jack believed in sharing God’s love through

service. He chaired several conference boards and was a prominent leader in ecumenical ministries.

His roles included chair of the National Impact Educational Fund, the New Jersey Council of

Churches, the Coalition of Religious Leaders of New Jersey, and Chair of Trenton Ecumenical Area

Ministries. He founded Contact Teleministries, Interfaith Neighbors of Monmouth County, and

co-founded the Princeton Coalition for Peace Action. He served on advisory boards with Princeton

Theological Seminary, National Conference on Christians and Jews, and the Anti-Defamation

League, and even received The Bishop’s Award for Christian Unity. In Massachusetts, Jack served as

Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, Committee for the Massachusetts

Interfaith Power and Light, Pluralism Project, a Trustee for The Interreligious Center for Public Life,

and served on the Alumni Board of the Boston University School of Theology.

Jack's contributions extended into civic life as well. He believed in loving your neighbor. Jack was

Mayor of Toms River, Founder of Community Services of Ocean County, and served in advisory

capacities to NJ Governors Kean, Florio, and Corzine, as well as serving on municipal and county

advisory boards in Ocean, Monmouth, and Mercer Counties.

Jack was a passionate advocate for social justice. He founded Ceasefire New Jersey, advocating for

our nation’s first assault weapon ban and child-proof gun law. Even in retirement, Jack served as a

leader for the National Religious Campaign Against Torture and a facilitator for the New Jersey

campaign for Alternatives to Prison Isolation. He also served as Coordinator of the Coalition of

Religious Leaders in New Jersey, National Council of Churches Joint Action and Advocacy Round

Table, Martin Luther King Jr. Commission for the State of New Jersey.

Jack was a proud graduate of Union College, Kentucky, where he later served as a trustee. He

earned his graduate degree in theology from Boston University.

Friends, family, and colleagues will forever remember Jack for his boisterous laugh, memorable

stories, and the way he made everyone around him feel important. His years of service are a

testament to the question he often asked “But what are you doing for others?” Jack’s prayer reminder

was to be “ever mindful of the needs of others,” a sentiment that shaped his life and ministry.

In memory of Jack, donations may be made to the NJ Coalition of Religious Leaders,

℅ Fr. Timothy Graff, 171 Clifton Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102.