John Paul Johnson

Born in Dickson, Tennessee on January 4, 1929, John Paul Johnson began his journey through life. He was the only son born to the late Eleanor and Paul Johnson. He attended high school at St. Andrew’s School for Boys where he excelled in both baseball and tennis.

From an early age Paul had a desire to see the world; joining the U.S. Navy was his plan for doing so. He enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and served as a Sonarman.

He met future wife Shirley in 1950 and they were married in 1954. A year later he welcomed first son Kirk to the family, two years later son Brett, and two years after that daughter Jenifer.

He served the nation and the Navy with distinction during both the Korean War and the Vietnam conflict. His duty stations included ships USS Basilone (DDE-824), USS Holder (DDE-819), and USS Robert A. Owens (DDE-827). Ashore he performed instructor duty at the Fleet Sonar School in Key West, Florida where he also proudly served as the leader of an award-winning ceremonial drill team. Other shore assignments included Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, Virginia and Ship Repair Facility, Yokosuka, Japan.

Retiring from the Navy in February 1969, Paul and family returned to California where he pursued a college degree in Education at San Diego State University. He earned his baccalaureate degree and teaching credentials in 1973. He then launched his second career, teaching elementary school at Berry Elementary in San Diego where he shaped young minds until retiring the second time in 1992.

In retirement, besides spending time with his family and his dogs, he enjoyed serving the National Sonar Association. He regularly spoke to graduates of the Navy’s Sonar Technician ‘A’ school on the association’s behalf. He also served as Secretary-Treasurer and helped plan annual reunions for a number of years.

Throughout his life, Paul was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and a love of life. Friendly and outgoing, he often struck up conversations with strangers; his family lovingly dubbed him “The Official Greeter”. If you happened to drive past him when he was out for a walk, you would certainly get a wave from him.

Sadly, Paul contracted the flu and pneumonia in December 2017 which ended his 89 year life on January 27, 2018.

He will be dearly missed by beloved wife of 63 years Shirley, sister Lynn, children Kirk, Brett and Jenifer, grandchildren Corey, James and Nathan, and great-grandchildren Kyle and Peyton.