Dear Jan and Family,

I flew with then Maj Johnson in the F-4 Phantom II in Vietnam.  I just learned of his passing in the Retired Officers Magazine Memorial List. I had ben flying for several months when Maj Johnson arrived at Cam Rahn Bay 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron.  They asked me to take him on his first combat mission in Vietnam.  We went to a target in South Vietnam.  We knew we were a team right away and flew at least 60 missions together in the F-4.  Later I took him on his first mission to NORTH Vietnam and of course Hanoi was heavily defended. On one mission we lost our wing man Peppy and Larry Silver.  Unfortunately we watched them fly into the ground.  We never knew why they flew into the ground, but it certainly got our attention and we will never forget that flight.  Later when Jerry was in the USAF Personnel Center at Randolph AFB, TX he called me one day at Wright Patterson AFB, OH and said it is time for you to move on... you have two choices, fly the F-4 in Korea or go to the Pentagon and fly T-39 business jets (VIP corporate jet).  I said I think I can do the most good for the USAF in the Pentagon.  Well as you might expect there is much politics in the Pentagon and it took me a couple of years to learn the ins and out of it, however, I finally mastered it and became an expert in Washington affairs including what went on capital hill.  Being a Purdue Engineer, I became the Program Officer for air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and developed several different kinds that are still used today on our fighter airplanes.  I am still here in the Washington Area as I retired from the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the end of 1987.  Jerry knew that I would take to this place and I have had at least five assignments here, then after retirement I worked on the NASA space station that is still flying and in 1991 established my own "beltway bandit firm", Oakton International Corporation.  I still live here and clearly the decision that Jerry made for me back in 1973 has had very significant affect on my activities.  I am a nuclear engineer and I am currently working on a design for a prototype cold fusion nuclear reactor, and gave a expert paper on the subject at MIT to a world class audience. Jerry had a profound influence on my life and career and I will miss him for eternity.  He was my friend and we survived some very close calls in Vietnam.  Something only combat aircrews can understand.

Robert E. Smith Jr.
Lt Col USAF (Ret.)
oicresmith@aol.com

I was Col Johnson's 1st Sgt at AFCSC 1982-83.  Col Johnson was a leader, warrior, and a gentleman.  A pleasure to serve under him.  God Bless.

Our sympathy to you Jan and yours during this time of sadness.  Have missed his emails of late. Love to you.

Although we did not know Jerry very long. We felt like we were friends from the first time we met. He and Jan always made us feel like family when we were together. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jan and the rest of the family. Do hope she knows she can call on us at anytime for anything we can do to help her during this time of lose.
Paul and Andrea Martin ( ARC)

So very sorry to hear of Col Johnsons passing.  He was my last commander at AFCD in 1982.  I worked for many, good, bad, and ugly.  But Col Johnson was by far and above the best I had the privilege to work with and for.  He was a professional and real gentleman.  Our loss is GODs gain. Isaiah 57:1

I did not know Mr Johnson Sr personally, but I do work with his son Jerry Johnson Jr. My condolences go out to all the family. May God comfort you all in this time of need. 
Amelia Williams

Jerry and family: May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jerry, my thought and prayers are with you.

Jerry & Brenda, please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your father.  His profile depicts him as a wonderful father and human being.  I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him.  My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
                                                                     Jerry Hantman

Jerry,
I am sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you the comfort you need.

Tommie Aguilar

Jan, Liz and I send our deepest condolence's on the passing of our dear friend Jerry. As you know we go back to the 60's and have been steadfast friends ever since. Jerry was a true hero and served his country with honor. I have flown with him many times during our tour in Hawaii those many years ago and hold those cherished memories close to my heart. I will miss him. Jan, you are also very dear to Liz and I and we share you loss of this man with a great smile and good heart-you have been strong during this most difficult time which shows your deep devotion and love for Jerry. God Bless you and the boys and your entire family. Paul and Liz Davis.

Dear Jan and family - I just read the sad news of Jerry's "departure".  He and Travis will be meeting and making mischief soon!    So sorry for your deep loss.   You two were definitely one of our favorite couples EVER !

      Debbie McNeil

Jerry, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. May god bless you through this hard time.

Jan, Liz and I send our deepest condelences at the passing of our dear friend Jerrry. as you know he and I go back to the 60's and have been steadfast friends ever since. Jerry was a true hero and he served our country with honor. I have flown with him many times during our tour in Hawaii those many years ago and I keep those cherished times close to my heart. Jan you too are very dear to Liz and I and we share your loss-you have been very strong during this very trying time.God Bless you and the entire family. Paul and Liz Davis

Jerry,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

OBITUARY

Jerry M. Johnson Sr.

October 23, 1930 – July 26, 2014

Sunset Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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