Paul Phillip Johnson

September 5, 1961 – March 23, 2026

Paul Phillip Johnson, affectionately known as “P.J.,” was born on September 5, 1961, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away peacefully at home on March 23, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Andrew L. Johnson II and Joan Phillips Johnson. Paul is survived by his brother, Andrew L. Johnson III.

Paul was an exceptionally kind and gentle soul who greeted everyone with a warm smile and an infectious laugh. He possessed a rare and genuine gift for making people feel truly heard and valued, showing sincere interest and care in every conversation. Through this kindness and attentiveness, Paul became a meaningful presence in the lives of many. Some of his earliest and longest‑lasting friendships were formed during his years at Fairfax Elementary School and Roxboro Junior High School.

Paul graduated from Cleveland Heights High School in 1979. He continued his education at Westminster College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts in 1988. He later attended the University of Akron School of Law and ultimately earned a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Phoenix.

For many years, Paul worked as a licensed social worker, dedicating his career to helping less fortunate families improve their lives. His work reflected his deep compassion, patience, and belief in the dignity and potential of every person.

Highly competitive by nature, athletics were another important part of Paul’s life, particularly track and field. His passion began at Roxboro Junior High and continued through Cleveland Heights High School, where he became a record‑setting 800‑meter runner and also competed in the long jump. These achievements were a testament to his discipline, determination, and love of competition.

Music was a lifelong source of joy and self‑expression for Paul. At the age of 15, he taught himself how to play the guitar, often spending hours practicing in the woods across from his parents’ home on North Park Boulevard in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Over the years, he went on to form several bands, playing lead guitar throughout Cleveland and later during his time living in the San Francisco Bay Area. While living in San Francisco, Paul released his first CD, Diego San Francisco Dream, which received heavy rotation on Bay Area college radio stations. Music brought Paul peace, creativity, and connection throughout his life.

Paul also had a deep appreciation for history and thoughtful conversation. He loved discussing Black history and culture, and one of his favorite books was The Autobiography of Malcolm X, which he revisited often and spoke about with passion and insight.

Paul will also be fondly remembered for epic pickup basketball games; games of pool and air hockey; friendly card games; spirited debates about the best sports cars ever made, including his particular love for his first‑generation Mazda RX‑7. A lifelong athlete, Paul remained physically active as a member of several prominent cycling clubs, including the Yellow Jackets in the San Francisco Bay Area. He was especially proud of his beloved carbon‑fiber road bike, often riding 50 miles at a time and leading 25‑mile group rides with friends along the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail. He cherished summers spent with friends and family at his parents’ summer home at Treasure Lake Resort in DuBois, Pennsylvania.

Above all, Paul will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, intellect, talent, and unwavering spirit—qualities that will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.