John Henry Johnson went home to be with the Lord on Monday, January 16, 2024, after a long illness. He accepted Christ at an early age and departed life peacefully surrounded by the loving light of his family.

John was born on March 12, 1940, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. He moved to Akron with his mother and his siblings in 1954. He worked at Akron Tile and Supply, where he became close friends with his future father-in-law, Robert L. Bagley, Sr. Finally, he worked for Chrysler, where he retired after 33 years of employment.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and John Johnson; sister, Liller Hall; brother, Joe Johnson; sister, Johnnie Griffin; daughter, Danell Bagley; brother-in-law, Hiawatha Bagley; and brother-in-law, Robert Bagley, Jr.

John leaves behind his beloved wife, Annie L. Johnson, with whom he shared over 60 years together. He also leaves behind daughters, Shirley D. Johnson of Akron, Ohio; Darnell A. (Walter) Wilson of Akron, Ohio; Lynette Johnson of Akron, Ohio; and Sybil Johnson of Akron, Ohio. He leaves behind sons, Derek (Linda) Johnson of Akron, Ohio; and Timothy J. Johnson of Akron, Ohio. He leaves behind brothers, Marvin Johnson of Akron, Ohio; and Melvin (Gail) Johnson of Akron, Ohio. He leaves behind sisters-in-law, Annie (Edward) Stevenson of Akron, Ohio; and Dorothy Taylor of Akron, Ohio. He also leaves behind special niece, Gwen (Kevin) Hill; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Perhaps one of the most passionate, lifelong fans of the Cardiac Kids, John patiently waited for the day when they would bring home the trophy. No amount of teasing from his family and friends would ever convince him that the trophy wasn’t coming to Cleveland next year. He also loved fishing and mowing his grass but most importantly, he was a defender of his family. No matter the day or time when he was called, he rose to the occasion.