J Johnson

WARD JOHNSON IDAHO FALLS, ID -- J. Ward Johnson, 85, died peacefully at home on Monday, January 19, 2009, surrounded by family. He was born in Whiting, Iowa, on August 20, 1923, to James Ralph Johnson and Lela Lucille Johnson. Ward grew up on an Iowa farm with his younger brother, George, and two hard-working parents. Ward attended college at Iowa State University. College was interrupted by World War II, where Ward served in the United States Air Corps and trained as a pilot in B-26 and B-17 bombers. He married Mary Virginia (Sally) Robertson of Shreveport, Louisiana, on March 11, 1945, at Drew Field in Tampa, Florida. After the War, Ward returned to school at Iowa State where he earned his degree in animal husbandry. Following graduation in 1947, Ward started working with Armour and Company in Sioux City, Iowa. This marked the beginning of his sixty-year career in the livestock industry. Ward's career led he and his family to Montana, California, Utah, and Illinois before settling in Idaho in 1961. This move to Idaho provided Ward the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of feeding cattle for himself. As a young man, Ward was active in 4-H. He continued his support of 4-H over the years; watching young people, including his children and grandchildren, develop into successful cattlemen and women. Ward received an award in 1991 for exceptional service to Bonneville County 4-H. In 2007, Ward received the Bonneville County Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for his life's work in the livestock industry. One of Ward's proudest accomplishments was getting his sons involved in the cattle business. A man known for his honesty and integrity, Ward made many cattle deals with a few words and a handshake. While he had a successful career in the livestock industry, Ward's greatest reward was his family. Ward was preceded in death by Sally, his wife of 65 years, his brother, George Allen, and his sister, Jana Lucille, who died in infancy. Ward is survived by his four children: son, Michael (Nancy) Johnson of San Diego, CA; daughter, Janet (Scott) MacGregor of Idaho Falls, ID; twin sons Robert (JoDee) and Gary (Rhonda) Johnson, also of Idaho Falls, ID; five grandchildren: Scott, Christopher, Darcy, Jake, and Chase; and two great grand children. Survivors also include caring companions, Dee Wilkinson and Della O'Donnell, both of Idaho Falls. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2009, at the Idaho Falls First Presbyterian Church, 325 Elm Street, with the Reverend Dr. Dennis Falasco officiating. The family will visit with friends at the church, Friday, for one hour before services. Private burial will follow at New Sweden Cemetery. The family welcomes donations to the Bonneville County 4-H or the First Presbyterian Church of Idaho Falls. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dennis Mansfield dmans7779@earthlink.net Hello friends. My heart is with you. I was able to sit and visit with Ward for an hour or so last October. As always he was upbeat and very honest. Both he and Sally had a very strong impact on my life. My love to all of you during this time of sadness. Dennis Eric & Cindy Guanell Eguana@ida.net Dear Johnson Families: We were saddened to hear the news about Ward and our sympathies go out to all of you during this difficult time. While we will be out of town and unable to attend the services, our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Your friends, Eric & Cindy Guanell Nancy Hansen Sorry to hear about your dad. I worked in the office at the Livestock auction for 5 years. Ward was a great businessman, honest, and he was always kind to me. Sincerely, Nancy Hansen Jeff Ferguson yrlgs1@theglobal.net I would like to extend my condolences to Ward's family. I have known, respected, and competed with Ward buying cattle in Butte, Montana for many years. He was always a gentleman, as well as an excellent judge of cattle. We would like to extend our sympathies to Janet and her family. Ward was 'one in a million' and will be missed greatly. I'm inspired by the wonderful legacy that he and Sally left behind - Mike, Janet, Robert, Gary their wonderful spouses and outstanding grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we are there in spirit. Love, your Canadian neighbors, Joseph, Susan, Mark, Matthew, Michael and Peter Pellizzari Steve Webster tcb1@centurytel.net Ward was a very good man. I knew Ward and worked with him for a few years at the Idaho Livestock Auction, where my father Dorsel Webster had worked for many years to become forman until he retired at that job. Unfortunatly Dad has also passed on Oct.8th 2007. But I remember Ward as a very good honest hard working man. I would have to say one of the best to have been in the business. Dayhuff family maxine@dayhuff.com Ward was a an admirable man on so many levels. He will be dearly missed, but he leaves us all better people for having know him. Go with God, Ward -- and Sally. Dane & Sherry Watkins Dear Family, I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your Father. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that our prayers are with you. Sincerely, Dane Watkins Rod & Pam Hensley rod.hensley@yahoo.com Our Prayers and Thoughts Are with You. Rod/Pam Hensley Brien and Jane Whittington jmwcs@aol.com My parents told us about the passing of Ward and Sally. Sally and Ward hosted a wedding reception for us in 1974, and Sally worked with Jane's Father in the Hockey Program (Joe Marmo). Both of your parents were incredible, awesome individuals and they will be missed by so many of us. Our love goes out to the family.