John Colen Johnson

Dad attended Annie R. Morgan Elementary School, John Gorrie Junior High School and Robert E. Lee Senior High School. He joined the United State Navy a few days before his 17th birthday in 1944 and spent most of the next 4 years of duty in the Pacific Ocean theater. He retired from Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 1982 with 34 years of service in the Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF), the last few as a production control supervisor. Always a man of faith, Dad and Mom were charter members of Woodstock Park Methodist Church and were the first couple married there in 1948. He also attended Inman Memorial Methodist Church in his youth and Wesconnett United Methodist Church and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Dad loved athletic competitions as both participant and spectator, but golf and his golf buddies were his passion for the last 45 years. He said it/they kept him young.

Known as Colen to the family, he was predeceased by his parents, Lem and Bessie Johnson; infant sister, Mary Katherine; beloved wife for 67 years, Judy; and son-in-law, Glenn Roddan.

He is survived by his two daughters, Shery and Gail; grandchildren, Jason (Kim), Becky (Rob), David (Mark), Amy (Brian) and Ann (Dave); great-grandchildren, Paige, Brooke, and Hugh.

The family would like to give our heartfelt thanks and many blessings to the staff of Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Center for Caring.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for children.