Jerry Alan Johnson

Jerry was a proud business partner of Johnson Carpet, which he operated alongside his brothers, Tom and Scott. He started working at age 16 for his dad who started the carpet business in their garage. Jerry faithfully served his community in many ways: he was a member of the Grandville Fire Department for 25 years, achieving the rank of Deputy Chief; he worked with the Downtown Development Authority to better the Grandville downtown area; and he was active with the Home Builders Association.

His faith was the foundation of his life. In his younger years, he was actively involved in several churches, where he led worship, sang in the choir, and served as a deacon.

A lifelong love of music shaped much of Jerry’s life. An accomplished guitarist and vocalist, he performed with his brother Scott and their friend Skip in the Christian gospel group “The Sentrys,” recording four albums together in the 1960s. For a decade after that, he ministered every Sunday in area churches with his music. We will always fondly remember that in his later years, Jerry played his guitar as the family sang Christmas carols.

Jerry found great joy in life’s simple pleasures—playing golf, spending time at Big Blue Lake, and gathering with family and friends. He enjoyed good food, shared laughter, and meaningful conversations. Known for his joyful spirit and easy-going nature, Jerry was a man without anger, a tireless worker who took pride in his work, and someone who treated everyone with genuine kindness and respect. He never tired of talking “business” and passing on that wisdom to his children. Jerry and Mary Lee made the most of every moment, enjoying a full life to the very end of his nine-year journey with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Lyle and Ruth Johnson; his siblings, Walter Johnson, Ardith Krantz, Tom Johnson; his brothers-in-law Frederick Krantz and Kenneth Gernaat; his sisters-in-law Linda Johnson and Lanette Johnson; and his infant son, David. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 29 years, Mary Lee; his children, Jackie (Robert) Barber, and Dan (Jodi) Johnson; his step children, Tracy (Kyle) Campbell and Scott (Rebecca) Warren; his grandchildren Clayton (Ashley) Haverdink, Heath Haverdink, Hayden Johnson, Tahlia (Cody) TenBrink, Ethan Johnson, Jaron Haverdink, Trey Johnson, Ellery Johnson, and Josephine Haverdink; his step grandchildren Spencer Campbell, Brody Campbell, and Lola Warren; his great-grandchildren Amalie TenBrink and Elsie TenBrink; his siblings Karen Gernaat, Scott (Jean) Johnson, and sister-in-law Joanne Leslie; along with numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Scripture tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Jerry lived out these qualities each day. His life reflected God’s love and joy, and that will remain his enduring legacy.

We invite all to come to a celebration of Jerry’s life for a final salute to a life well-lived on Thursday, May 7 at FireRock Grille, 7717 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. There will be a service at 4 p.m., followed by a time of fellowship and fond reminiscing with appetizers and drinks until 8 p.m. Memorial contributions to Faith Hospice would be welcome. No flowers, please.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their online guestbook.