Theodore Stevens Johnson

Theodore (Ted) Stevens Johnson passed away on Thursday, May 19, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida at the age of 86 years old. He was born October 13, 1935, in High Point, North Carolina to James Zachary Johnson and Constance Mellonas Johnson.

After graduating from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, Ted attended Guilford College in North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Army and, as a youth, was a member of DeMolay International and the Boy Scouts of America where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In his early professional career, he managed the construction and opening of dinner theaters in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina, Chattanooga and Kingsport, Tennessee and Roanoke, Virginia. In 1967, Ted came to Jacksonville where he designed, built and actively managed the Alhambra Dinner Theater. He went on to start a film, videotape and audiovisual production company which grew into what would become Florida Production Center — with offices in Jacksonville and Tampa.

Ted was dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the Jacksonville community throughout his life. Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental in acquiring the cable television franchise that is now Comcast. He was selected by the St. Augustine Florida City Commission to renovate and operate the Visitor’s Information Center on behalf of the city. He was the Managing Partner for the Jacksonville Barons American Hockey League franchise. He was the first chairman of the Jacksonville Sports and Entertainment Commission and was instrumental in bringing major league soccer to Jacksonville. He served on the steering committee for Colt Fever and was appointed by Mayor Jake Godbold to represent the city in negotiations with the Baltimore Colts of the NFL — in an effort to have them move to Jacksonville. He was a long-term member and Past-President of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville where he became a Paul Harris Fellow. He is also a recipient of the Humanitarian Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews (One Jax).

Ted was an active member of his church throughout his life. His church service began as an alter boy, a member of GOYA, a choir member and treasurer of the Hellenic Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. After moving to Jacksonville, he served on the Parish Council, the Diocese and Archdiocese Councils, was a member of AHEPA for over 50 years and served as the president of the Socrates Chapter. He was founding president of Greek Orthodox Telecommunications and the founding President of the St. Photios Shrine Foundation. His contributions to the church were recognized by Archbishop Iakovos who presented him with the Medal of St. Paul, the highest honor the church awards a layman in the Americas. He was further honored by the Ecumenical Patriarch, Demetrious I, who invested him into the Order of Saint Andrew as an Archon of the Church.

Ted is survived by his wife Teala Milton Johnson; daughter Tori Johnson; son Ted Johnson, Jr. (Lorelie); son Todd Johnson (Sheryl); stepdaughter Traci Pearce (Cecil); stepson Chuck Milton; son-in-law Stephen Pecot and grandchildren Craig, Matt, Carey, Cyana, Douglas, Miranda and Ruthie. He is preceded in death by his mother and father; first wife Peggy Norton Johnson; second wife Helen Patricia (Trish) Johnson; daughter Erin Elizabeth Chliveny Pecot; grandson Alex Marc Newman and brother Bill.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, May 26 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32223 — immediately followed by the Trisagion Prayer Service. Funeral services will begin at 10 am on Friday, May 27 at St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church, 12760 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32224. The church funeral service can be watched live online by visiting StJohnTheDivine.com and clicking on the “Live Broadcast” button. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the St. John the Divine Greek Orthodox Church. Donations may be made directly on the church website at StJohnTheDivine.com. Please include a note “In Memory of Ted Johnson” with your donation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Johnson family.