Samuel James Johnson

Samuel James Johnson, “Sam”, a longtime and beloved attorney in Austin, passed away suddenly on July 13, 2025 at his home. Sam was born on May 8, 1962, the adored youngest child of June Page and Judge Samuel Dodson Johnson, Jr. He lived in Hillsboro and Houston before moving to Austin in 1973. He attended Casis Elementary, Baker and O. Henry Junior High Schools, and Austin High School – Loyal Forever. Sam filled every room he entered with his infectious laugh. He will be remembered for his big heart and warm personality.

At Austin High, Sam was on the debate team and played Varsity Football. He served as President of the Class of 1980 and was a National Merit Scholar. Sam followed in his parents’ footsteps and attended Baylor University, where he excelled as a Truman Scholar, Rhodes Scholar finalist and member of Phi Beta Kappa. His academic pursuits were a testament to his love of learning. He led a full social life as President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Mr. January in the Men of Baylor 1983 calendar. He could neither confirm nor deny membership in the NoZe Brotherhood.

Sam decided to attend the University of Texas School of Law during a campus tour, after noticing a photo of his father on a classroom wall and realizing he was wearing the same suit. He was a member of the Texas Law Review, Chancellors, and Order of the Coif. Sam was a brilliant legal mind, earning his law degree with high honors in 1987. Upon completion of law school, he clerked for Federal District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater in Dallas. Sam spent the remainder of his career as a trial lawyer at Scott, Douglass, & McConnico where he was a partner from 1990-2025, earning the respect and affection of his clients, colleagues, and adversaries. He fought each case for his clients with unwavering dedication, passion, and professionalism. He was proud to be a part of the SD&M family for over three decades.

Sam had many loves, including history (especially WWII), Blue Bell vanilla ice cream, loud music, cargo shorts, transistor radios, Starbucks, power bars, Austin, Baylor Bears, running the trail or neighborhood, Labrador Retrievers, and advocating for justice for all. Sam had a unique talent for befriending anyone he met and was renowned for his storytelling abilities. He was a loyal patron of Maudie’s Tex-Mex on Lake Austin and regarded the staff as dear friends.

Nothing surpassed his love for his twin daughters, Ella and Page. Sam jumped at every chance to be part of their world. He was the lone Dad on the Daisy/Brownie/Girl Scout overnight trips and coached their Heartbreakers volleyball team at WAYA, winning the Division Championship in 2018. He never missed an opportunity to take them to a Marvel movie and may have toilet papered a house or two, making sure they knew how to jump over a fence in flight.

Sam met the love of his life, Maureen, a decade ago. Together, they filled their years with music, adventure, and laughter. They biked Austin's trails, explored new cities, and never missed an ACL festival. He welcomed Maureen’s children as his own, and they could not have asked for a better stepfather.

Sam is survived by his wife, Maureen Whelan Johnson; his daughters, Caroline Page and Ella O’Keefe Johnson; stepchildren Timothy, Sarah, and Kevin Swanson; sister and brother-in-law Page and Barney Harris; nieces Kathryn Harris Rogers and family, Elizabeth Harris and family; and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Holubec.

Visitation with family will be Saturday, July 19th from 5-8 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home at 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 20th at 3 p.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Drive, Austin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to The Carter Center, 453 John Lewis Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Texas, P.O. Box 8306, Houston, Texas 77288 or The Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, Texas 78751.