John Arnold Johnson

Arnold was born on November 19, 1930 in Elmira, NY to Charles and Agnes Johnson. He graduated in 1949 from Elmira Free Academy. After graduating, Arnold hitchhiked to California to “become a movie star”. However, while attending his sisters church in CA, Arnold gave his heart to Jesus. Soon after, while attending a Billy Graham Crusade, he committed his life to service to the Lord. Arnold returned to Elmira and began working in his church youth group. It was during this time God laid it upon his heart to attend Nyack Missionary College. God had a plan….

In 1950 Arnold began attending Nyack Missionary College. While attending Nyack, he met his wife, Mary. They were married on August 2, 1952 in Gastonia, NC. Their son, Steven, was born on January 16, 1956 becoming the joy of their life. God was faithful to provide during their years in NY. Outside of classes, Arnold helped build swimming pools by day and worked at Gairs Box Factory by night. Arnold earned enough to pay for four (4) years of college and graduated in 1957 with degrees in Missions and Theology. God had a plan….

Upon graduation in 1957, Arnold and Mary were asked to plant a new church for the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) in Warwick, RI. They took a step of faith and moved to RI. Thus began their ministry of serving the Lord. While they only knew Mary’s brother (who lived in Warwick), God demonstrated His faithfulness. He provided an apartment and furnishings when they had no money. He provided a job for Arnold as a short order cook at Newport Creamery. He honored their commitment to start a new church. The first service had 10 adults and 11 children attend. Warwick Bible Church was on its way. While living in Warwick, their daughter, Cheryl, was born. God had a plan….

In 1961, Arnold and Mary were asked to move to Jacksonville, FL to again start a new church for the C&MA. They followed the call and Arlington Bible Church began with 40 people meeting in a Women’s Club until property was found to build a church. God had a plan….

In 1962, Arnold and Mary were again asked to move. This time to Largo, FL where a small group of 40 people were ready to purchase property and build a new church. Arnold and Mary followed the call and served at Largo Alliance Church for 10 years. God had a plan….

In 1974, Arnold and Mary were asked to move to Hamilton Ont. Canada. They followed the call of service in a different type of ministry as the church was a very established congregation. They faithfully served at Delta Tabernacle for two and a half years. God had a plan….

And following God's' call yet again, in 1976, Arnold and Mary moved to Daytona Beach, FL to help rebuild the C&MA church there. They served Daytona Beach Alliance Church for six (6) years. God had a plan….

After faithfully serving the Lord for close to 29 years, Arnold felt it was time to take a sabbatical. God had a plan….

And God was faithful to provide. Arnold was called by his good friends, George and Tom Feaster, who asked him to minister and serve at their funeral home, Moss-Feaster in Largo, FL. Thus began a new type of ministry. Arnold served at the funeral home for one (1) year.

In 1982, Largo Alliance Church extended a call to Arnold and asked him to return as their senior pastor. Arnold followed the call and served the church for 12 years until he retired in 1994. God had a plan….

Largo, FL was always “home”. Arnold and Mary retired in Largo. From 1987-2017, Arnold served as the Police Chaplain for the City of Largo. In 2014, during his service to the city, Arnold was honored as Citizen of the Year for Central Pinellas County. He served as chaplain for 28 years and retired in 2017. God had a plan….

Arnold was known for his one liners which included: “one day at a time”; “no speeding”; “have you heard the news?”; “so where are you from originally” and “we’re one day closer to glory!”. He will be remembered as husband, father, grandfather (Gaga), pastor (PJ), and friend.

Arnold and Mary faithfully served the Lord together for 60 years. He spent his life serving “one day at a time”, fulfilling God’s ultimate plan for his life until the Lord called him home on August 23, 2023.

Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Mary, son-Steven (Nancy), daughter-Cheryl (Stewart), 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Arnold was preceded in death by two (2) sisters and two (2) brothers.

A “Celebration of life” service will be held: Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774. The family will privately hold a committal graveside service for Arnold at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park.

To view services via livestream, please visit https://vimeo.com/user163466947

Donations in memory of John Arnold Johnson may be made to: Global Outreach International, Napier; Missionary Account #3378, PO Box 1, Tupelo, MS 38801