Michael Jason Johnson

Jason Johnson passed away on April 29, 2010 after a brave 13-year battle with cancer. Born in Denver, CO, Jason moved to Ventura, CA with his parents at the age of 6. He was given a standing ovation by his wonderful group of friends on his graduation day at Buena High School in 1987. After high school, Jason became an Emergency Medical Technician with Pruner Ambulance and was one of the EMT’s who airlifted actor Kirk Douglas to safety after his plane crashed in Santa Paula. Jason was also a gifted mechanic and loved the challenge of restoring classic cars. In 1997, Jason’s lung collapsed and he was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer, which had spread to his lungs. The doctors gave him 6 months to live. Obviously Jason felt there was still too much to do, since he survived for 13 more years, living, loving and having fun. Jason moved in with his fiancée, Karin Kersteter, and a couple of years later, was “discovered” while wandering around Ikea in Burbank. Shortly after, in 2003, he was cast for his first feature film, Disney’s The Haunted Mansion. He played a zombie chasing Eddie Murphy through a mausoleum. Being an avid monster movie fan since childhood, this was a dream come true. More films followed and in 2004, he was cast as a zombie in the director’s cut of the remake of Dawn of the Dead. In 2006, Jason traveled to North Carolina to film an indy horror film, The Gravedancers. His last role would have been in the new Star Trek film, but his deteriorating health made it impossible to continue with his acting. It is impossible to express in words the impact Jason has had on so many people. Jason’s smile could light up a room and his perseverance in the face of such impossible odds has inspired so many people. Everybody who ever met Jason loved him – he will never be forgotten and his spirit will live on.

Jason is survived by his fiancée and love of his life Karin Kersteter, mother Diana Johnson, father and stepmother Dan Johnson and Karen Johnson, brothers Blake and Curtis Johnson, godmother Debra Krause, cousins Taylor, Marshall, Grayson, and Hunter Krause, Cousins Valerie and Cliff Fitzgibbons, family friends Jackie Mitchell and Nicholas Ernst.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Cancer Society in Jason’s honor.

Jason’s service will be on Saturday, May 8, 2010, 10:00 A.M. at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura, followed by a Celebration of Jason’s life in Oxnard.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be left at www.tedmayrfuneralhome.com.