Born in Grand Rapids, MN in 1944, Sam was a 1962 graduate of Ramona High School in Riverside, CA. After high school, he attended RCC and Pepperdine University, where he majored in art. Sam spent his career as a backflow device inspector for the City of Riverside, and went on to co-author a book, and teach the subject at USC. In addition, he was a talented artist, photographer and musician. He collected guitars, banjos and mandolins, which he graciously passed down to his family.
Sam was preceded in death by his father and mother, Gilbert and Adeline Johnson. He is survived by his brothers, Randy and Mark Johnson; sister-in-law Sue Johnson; nieces Sara Jerome (and Andy), Krista Lopez (and Ryan), Bethany Shakespeare (and Scott), Duncan Johnson (and Taylor), and Miriam Johnson. Sam also leaves behind four great nephews and one great niece.
Sam's memorial service will be at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Mortuary in Riverside, CA, on Saturday, January 26th at 10am.