John C. Johnson

John grew up on the east side of Columbus and had happy childhood memories of his Macedonian immigrant family as they assimilated into life in America but also kept Old World customs. John had fond memories of his father’s small restaurant, the OK Restaurant, and the family’s active membership in the Greek Orthodox Church. After graduating from East High School, he was drafted in the U.S Army and served 18 months with a medical detachment in Korea, receiving an honorable discharge in 1947.

He studied accounting at Bliss Business College and began his career working for the John E. Joyce & Co. and Paine Webber brokerage firms, sparking his lifelong interest in the stock market. He later took an opportunity in the public sector, where he spent the final years of his career working as a deputy auditor supervisor in the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

John met Jeanne Easton at a dance at the Broad Street United Methodist Church and they were happily married for 67 years until her death in 2022.

John is survived by his son, Chris Johnson, of Columbus; daughter, Holly (Sam) Pupino, of Fairlawn, Ohio; granddaughters, Alyssa Pupino, of Columbus, and Nicole Pupino, of Akron; grandson, Nick Pupino (Hana Alchami), of Cleveland; and nephews, Paul (Judy), Rick (Lisa) and Bill (Penne) Huckleberry, all of Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lazarus, and sister, Dorothy Huckleberry.

John found contentment and happiness in everyday pleasures like a fresh donut and a good cup of coffee (with just a drop of half and half), an exciting football game on TV, reading the newspaper (and always the Blondie comic strip) and spending time with friends and family. The arrival of his grandchildren gave him three more excuses to enjoy childhood pleasures like backyard ballgames, board games and reading endless picture books.

Beginning in high school, John and his buddy, Pat Doyle, started playing poker regularly. This would eventually become a monthly club, with many other regular members participating for decades, and the core group played into their early 80s until they were no longer driving. This special and enduring poker club was the subject of a 1994 Columbus Dispatch feature story when it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

John was a huge sports fan from the youngest age and cheered on the New York Giants for decades. John and Chris shared this love of all things sports and enjoyed countless hours following their favorite teams. In John’s golden years, Chris became a devoted and loving caregiver, allowing him (and Jeanne) to remain together and in the home they loved as they aged. The family also appreciates the wonderful care provided by ProMedica/Heartland Hospice.