John "Jack" Grant Johnson

John "Jack" Grant Johnson

January 27, 1938 - August 04, 2020

Obituary

STOUGHTON/GREEN BAY-John G. “Jack” Johnson left this world on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, for the spiritual realm of God after a brief but critical illness. Jack is survived by his wife of 22 years, Judith “Judie” Johnson, Stoughton, Wis.; stepsons, Bryan R. (Leslie) Smith and their son, Jordan and daughter, Allyson; Darian J. Smith; Jamison L. Smith and his daughter, Asha; Bradley J. (Jan) Smith; Kevin T. Smith and his sons, Vernon, Hickory, Peregrine and daughter, Libertie; nephew, Rick (Beth) Schaut and their daughters, Teresa and Claire and son, Colin; and cousin, Bruce (Mary Kay) Stram. Jack was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel M. Matravers; sister, Sue Schaut; and his father, Arnold B. Johnson. Jack was born on Jan. 27, 1938, in Green Bay, Wis. After attending high school in Green Bay, he served his country in the U.S Army. Jack attended cosmetology school and owned his own hair salon. He was also a founding partner of William Jon Salons located in Madison, Wis. He transitioned to a career with the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Regulation and Licensing as an inspector until retirement. In 1998, Jack retired on a Friday, the “Viking” married Judie Smith that Saturday, and the very next day Captain Jack and his beautiful bride embarked on the first of their many North American sailing adventures. One of their favorite excursions on their F27 “Tried-n-True” trimaran sailboat was a voyage to the Bahamas. They enjoyed many winters sailing the coastal waters of Florida and several summers in the Canadian North Channel. Jack’s legacy includes his proud craftsmanship in building cedar strip canoes, kayaks and many other watercrafts; over a thousand solo parachute jumps; performing in the Tommy Bartlett Show in Wisconsin Dells; his endless entertaining supply of jokes shared from memory; a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers; his passion for ham radio with the handle of KC9A; and his rich sail making and sewing skills. Favorite memories of Jack from friends and family: Jack had a twinkle in his eye and flashed a sly grin when he did or said something priceless. He preferred wearing sandals year-round and showed off his tan. He had a quiet, strong devotion to his faith and lived by example to others. He quietly did many special things and little projects to help people when in need. He was a master at chicken foot dominoes on game nights, and taught his prowess at Sudoku puzzles to anyone who was eager to learn. He shared sweet cheek kisses and loving hugs with family. The house was filled with buttery scents from his nightly popcorn indulgence which he shared with his grandkids. Until we meet again, Jack, enjoy your new journey. We will miss you and your incredible smile. Jack was buried during a private family ceremony held at Wheeler Prairie Cemetery, Dunkirk Township, Stoughton, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St. (608) 873-4590

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Robert Martinson
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Remembering Jack while we were Members of Seven Hills Skydiving Club. Spent many hours on weekends at Columbus, Juneau, Beaver Dam WI. Oh how proud he was of his Pontiac ! God Bless you Jack ,Rest in peace. Robert Martinson
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Kevin T Smith
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I'll remember Jack's sharp memory and interesting stories for anyone ready to listen.
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Mardell Petras
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Judy, I am so sorry for your loss but how fortunate you were to have Jack for 22 years. I will always remember his sense of humor. My deepest sympathies. Mardell Petras
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Dennis Ganshert
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Jack thanks for the smiles. I don’t know we just hit it off and connected with his special family!🎶 Dennis Ganshert and Family
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Buzz and Kay Davis
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Hello Judie and all the great Smith and Johnson folks!!! Judie, you married two fantastic men: Jim and Jack!!! I remember you and Jack telling me at your home in the middle of winter that you were going south with this thing on a trailer that looked kind of like a boat. And you were going to sail it around in the ocean. I thought may dear friends are getting senile on me. Ho, ho, ho and 30,000 miles at sea later we only got glimpses of you when you sailed down the Yahara River to home once a year it seemed with Jack wearing a Viking outfit and you directing the operation standing on top of the boat! Kay and I are very glad we meet our neighbors who made so much noise - I thought 100 kids must live there. Then when I wandered over one day I found a small sea in the back yard and meet all the kids from the Smith family. Jim and I then carpooled for years to the WI DOT and always had a good time though he and I sometimes frozen in my old cars. Jack was an excellent person who was much fund and intellectually alive. We are so glad all the Smiths are well. Peace! Love, Kay and Buzz Davis and Brett and Jess and little Mr. Kai in sunny and hot hot hot Tucson, 608-239-5354

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