Jerry Johnson Jr.

Leon Jerry Johnson, Jr., known affectionately to most as Jerry, passed away at the age of 58. Born on July 29, 1967, in Rockledge, Florida, Jerry was the cherished first son of Leon Jerry Johnson, Sr., and Carol Ann Stillwaggon.

From the age of 10, Jerry made his home in Southwest Florida, growing up in North Fort Myers. He was a proud alumnus of Riverdale High School, graduating at the top of his class in 1985. During his time at Riverdale, Jerry was recognized for his academic excellence and his athleticism as a talented member of the school's football team.

Following high school, Jerry pursued his passion for art, earning his Art Degree from Tampa Technical Institute, where he was Valedictorian. He was a truly talented artist who channeled his creative gifts into a distinguished career in graphic design. Following college, Jerry worked at WBBH-TV NBC-2 (Waterman Broadcasting), where he would meet his wife, Carolyn in 1990. Early on, he established his own successful business, Classic Graphics. His professional journey then led him to serve as a marketing director for Radiology Regional, before moving to 21st Century Oncology, and then to Southwest Florida Realtor Association where he built at both places of work, a state-of-the-art video and marketing studio from the ground up, where he was the driving force behind high-quality, in-house video productions, including commercials, custom logos, brochures, signage, newsletters, podcasts, photography and radio advertisements.

His last professional role was at Cypress Cove Living, where he continued to share his production and marketing talents, bringing much joy to the residents. He used his photography and video production skills to create beautiful stories of their lives. Beyond his professional roles, Jerry was an accomplished photographer and videographer, dedicating many years to running a successful business under Johnson Productions, where he expertly videotaped and edited theater productions, Dance Dimension year end productions, and did photography for several clients.

Jerry was a family man, who always put family first . He and Carolyn raised their two children in Cape Coral, Florida in the home they built 25 years ago, creating a lifetime of wonderful memories.

He had a deep appreciation for electronics, priding himself on owning "the top of the line" gadgets and stereo equipment whenever possible. His hobbies included photography, working out, boating, and trips with his family and friends. Jerry was also a huge fan of Superman, STYX, Howard Stern, and the 80's. Jerry also loved animals. He had a soft spot for pigs, which led them to raising a pot bellied pig named Jimmy Dean for 19 years. Together they also had Ryker their yellow lab for 13 years and their cat Paisley for 17 years.

Jerry is survived by his beloved spouse, Carolyn Ann Johnson; his son, Michael Scott Johnson; his daughter, Jaylyn Marie Johnson; his father, L. Jerry Johnson, Sr. and his partner, Zelda Nottingham; his sister, Susan Powell, and her husband, Bill Powell; his niece, Alexandra Powell Sardinas, and her husband, Nelson Sardinas, and their children, Jaxson and Carson; and his brother, Scott Johnson, and his wife, Tina Johnson, and nephews, Chase Johnson and Zachary Panio, and his Aunt, Phyllis Commisso He also leaves behind his beloved 14-year-old Maltipoo, Biscuit.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Stillwaggon Johnson, his grandmother, Geraldine Smith Johnson, and nephew Jonathan Powell.

A gathering of family and friends will take place at Coral Ridge Funeral Home, located at 950 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33991, on November 7th, from 2pm to 3pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the same venue, beginning at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society.