Daniel "Danny" James Johnson

Danny was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in the city of New Orleans living there most of his life before Hurricane Katrina’s devastation changed the city’s history and Danny’s life. He had just moved into a new house and lived in it one month before Katrina hit. His house was under 12 feet of water which laid waste to almost all of his possessions. To feel safe from the ravages of nature, he moved to Athens, Georgia, where he adjusted to not being in New Orleans and was very happy here. His sister, Ann Hope, and his brother-in-law, Daniel Hope III, survive him.

Louisiana State University was his alma mater where he earned a bachelor’s degree majoring in sociology. He began his professional career in social work in Houma, Louisiana. He worked there for several years before moving back to his beloved New Orleans and assumed a supervisory position with the St. Bernard Department of Children and Family Services. His career started as a social worker making home visits on a regular basis with his clients. As a supervisor he became the “go to” person for developing manuals deciphering arcane welfare rules and regulations so employees could easily understand them. He also helped employees understand new computer software. His career with the Department spanned 33 years.

Danny’s passions were opera and old movies. His knowledge of movies rivaled Robert Osborne’s! In addition, he was an avid reader of all types of literature. He was a quiet person on the surface but would come up with pithy comments that often stunned friends at the dinner table.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on July 30 at 11:00 am at Bernstein Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Oconee Hill Cemetery.

No flowers please. If you feel inclined, please donate in Danny’s memory to any rebuilding efforts in New Orleans or to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.