Kimberley Frase Johnson

Kimberley Frase Johnson, born May 8, 1952, passed away July 28, 2004. Kim was a loving husband, father, son, brother, father-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and friend. You would remember Kim and his zest for life by the twinkle in his eyes and the ever-present smile on his face. He worked for the United States Air Force for twenty-four years. The early part of his career was spent as a non-commissioned officer and later as a Contracting Officer for the Federal Civil Service. One of Kim's most memorable projects was leading the contracting team for the billion dollar FMS Peace Shield Construction Contract. Kim and his wife, Valerie, spent most of their careers at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Kim had many interests outside of work including a love for sports. He especially enjoyed softball, golf, bowling, and billiards. Kim lived with the devastation of ALS Lou Gehrig's Disease for nine years. He faced the day-to-day challenges of living with ALS with absolute determination, strength, grace, and dignity. He was always upbeat and kept his family and friends laughing with his great sense of humor. After losing many of his physical abilities, Kim became an avid internet card player and was a member of an eighty-team Pinochle league. He played with a classy team that frequently ranked first place. In the final days of his life, his Pinochle buddies renamed their team "Kimm's Critters" from the original "Coop's Critters" in honor of Kim and his screen name "Kimmeister52." He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Johnson; and his sister, Julie Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Johnson of San Antonio; mother, Jane Frase-Thurman and husband Robert Thurman of McAllen, TX; daughter, Tracie Gonzalez and husband, Saul Gonzalez of San Antonio, and expected granddaughter; brothers, Lyndon Johnson of Spokane, WA, and Leslie Johnson and wife Kathy of Pensacola, FL; brother-in-law, Steve Mayfield of Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Elise McConnell and husband, Phil of Fort Worth, TX; parents-in-law, Vernon and Jean Mayfield of Fort Worth, TX; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. His memory lives on in the hearts of his pinochle team through a website created in his honor which can be viewed on the internet at