Frank H. Johns

Frank H. Johns bravely and proudly served in the US Navy during WW ll. He was stationed in the Pacific Fleet as a gunner operating the 40-millimeter guns aboard the Fletcher-class Destroyer, The U.S.S. Uhlmann (DD-687). December 11, 1943, their ship departed the Brooklyn Naval Yard to commence shakedown in Bermuda. On February 23, 1944 they started intense training missions in the Hawaiian Islands and surrounding area. After one false start the USS Uhlmann departed Oahu on September 18, 1944 and headed towards the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on a Mission of War. But not before facing a Typhoon on October 3rd, 1944 North of New Guinea off of the Caroline Islands, where three other Destroyers drifted down on her and pierced three holes in her starboard side flooding the anchor windlass room. After repairs off of Ulithi at the floating dry dock she was underway again on October 6th, 1944. Frank’s good buddy on board Fred Jones “Jonesy” was only 5’5” tall and told everyone he was sticking close to Frank because if the ship went down he would sit on Frank’s shoulders because he was so tall he would walk them out of there. At only 18 years old Frank and his shipmates immediately entered into a long and deadly battle beginning on October 10, 1944 with its first strikes on Okinawa. They faced constant Kamikaze attacks and remained in continuous ship to air, and ship to ground battle all the way to August 13, 1945 with final strikes on Tokyo. But it was under the decision of President Harry Truman over the moral reservations of General Dwight Eisenhower, General Douglas MacArthur and a number of the Manhattan Project scientists to use the A-bomb. But to continue the way we were would result in U.S. casualties of up to 1 million. Truman and many other proponents of the A-bomb believed that its devastating power was the only way to end the war with Japan after countless negotiations failed and Japan rejected all demands for surrender that were put forth. They vowed to fight us to the bitter end in the Pacific. So it was on August 6th, 1945 that the B-29 bomber christened the Enola Gay, dropped the first Atomic bomb known as “Little boy” onto Hiroshima. This still failed to elicit immediate surrender. So on August 9th, 1945 the B-29 bomber christened the Bockscar, dropped the 2nd A-bomb, known as “Fat Man” that was more powerful than the first onto Nagasaki.

On Aug 15, 1945 while off the coast of Japan the Fleet received a “Cease Fire Order” as Japan’s Emperor Hirohito announced unconditional surrender. The war with Japan was over. Sometime around October 5, 1945, Frank was part of a crew that was loaded onto smaller vessels to go into the Nagasaki Harbour and up the Urakami River to get a firsthand assessment of the damage, something he said he would never forget. On October 31, 1945 after 22 months at sea, the USS Uhlmann departed Yokosuka Naval Base en route to the United States of America. They arrived back at Pearl Harbor on November 9th, 1945 before departing on November 13th, 1945 to their final destination of Puget Sound, Washington.

At the end of the war Frank returned back home to WPB FL. After a few years he met and married his beautiful Swedish bride Joyce Delores Nordlund of Chicago, IL. Together they raised four children while starting his career as a General Contractor in his 30’s and continued until his retirement at 70 years old.

At 6’4” with tanned good looks, and charismatic smile, Frank always made an impression when in the room. You were sure to notice the guy in the Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and a silver belt-buckle. With his amazing attitude and outlook on life, nothing would ever get him down. He made everyone he met leave with a smile with his easy going style and good humor. Frank never had a bad word to say about anyone and he lived his entire life that way.

During his 40+ year career as a GC exclusively on the Island of Palm Beach, FL, Frank H. Johns completed hundreds of remodels and renovations. Specializing in restorations of Historic and Landmark properties, many that were designed by some of the most famous architects in America, Addison Mizner, Marion Sims Wyeth and Maurice Fatio. The F. H. Johns Construction, Co., has had the great opportunity to share in the preservation of dozens of historic and landmark sites including, The Paramount Theatre, The Warden House, The Biltmore Hotel/Condominium, The Breakers Hotel, The Brazilian Court Hotel and the private home on property, The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, including the 1886 Railroad car, as well as George Mathews and, Jean Flagler Mathews private homes. The list goes on, but Mr. Johns had a very long and rewarding career and was dubbed “The Urban Cowboy Renewal” during the 1980’s on the front page of The Palm Beach Shiny Sheet. Frank and his daughter Shatee would routinely meet “The Gang” for breakfast, coffee or job meetings at their favorite table on the front patio of Testa’s.

Frank was raised on a horse ranch in his youth and always loved the great outdoors. His passion for horses was passed to his daughters by raising them with their own horses starting at a young age. He also enjoyed boating, fishing, shooting, air-boating and camping with his family and friends. In his day he was a member of the Palm Beach County Airboat & Halftrack Conservation Club.

Our Dad instilled in each of us his most amazing qualities that we never, ever saw him waiver from; always respect others, always give someone a chance, always respect nature, never take anything that doesn’t belong to you, don’t be wasteful, do not throw trash on the ground, always do what you can to help someone in need, you better save something for a rainy day, and turn those damn lights off when you’re not using them! His beliefs have become our beliefs. We were always so proud to call you Dad, and we know you were always so proud to brag about us, and actually claim us as your kids!

See Dad, we actually did win the lottery in having you for our father.

You will always be in our hearts. 10-4

Mr. Johns is survived by his four children, Sandie Paschal, husband Terry, Shatee S. Mulay, husband Jerry, Randall F. Johns & Michael J. Johns, one grandson, Terry Paschal Jr., wife Jackie, and one great-grand daughter Chelsea N. Rouse, husband Jeremy. All four kids remained extremely close and in constant communication with their dad their entire lives. Joyce D. Johns passed away on 03/10/97.

There will be a private family ceremony at the South Florida VA National Cemetery on December 18, 2020 where Frank will be laid to rest with his fellow Veterans that fought to keep this country safe and free.

Any cards or letters of remembrance may be mailed to Frank’s daughter;

Shatee Mulay

P.O. Box 815

Palm Beach, FL 33480