Jerry J. Johnson

Jerry James Johnson died Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Portage, MI. He was born December 27, 1940, in Pittsburg, PA the son of the late Calvin and Ida Mae (Cherry) Johnson.

His family lived in Greentree in an orchard, a place he dearly loved to live. Before he started his senior year of high school, his father was relocated to Adrian MI. Jerry graduated from Adrian High School and later received his bachelor’s from Hope College. He enlisted in the US Army in August of 1963 and was honorably discharged on August 27, 1965. Jerry continued his education and earned his master’s from Western Michigan University. He became a microbiology professor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and retired after 35 years of service.

Jerry’s pride and joy was “Malary”, his 1937 Mathews, twin engine, 38-foot wooden boat. He also collected several antique cars.

Jerry is survived by his special friends, Peggy Hoover, Ed Trevathen, Phil Hassing and Tim Farrow.

Cremation has taken place. Inurnment with military honors will be held at 2:30pm on Thursday July 13, 2023, in Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Those wishing to attend should be in the cemetery assembly area by 2:15pm. Arrangements entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 E. Centre Ave, Portage MI 49002. To view Jerry’s personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com