JC Johnson

JC Johnson

1933 –2024

JC Johnson was born on Jan 7, 1933, in Rosboro Arkansas to BH and Willa B (Raines) Johnson. He was the second child of 5 siblings. At age seven the family moved to Springfield Oregon, where he would spend the rest of his life. JC passed away on November 27, in his home, with family holding him tightly. He was 91 yrs old. 

JC attended school in Springfield and was a popular and athletic student. He played baseball, football, and basketball and sang in the school choir. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1951, JC received athletic scholarships from the University of Oregon (baseball), Oregon State (football), and Southern Oregon (basketball) and went on to play basketball and baseball at SOC. In 1956 he graduated from the U of O with a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education. He continued his education for the next 5 summers, on his way to earning his Master’s.

JC married Mary Edna Barreau in the summer of 1953. They had 3 children together but divorced 28 years later, remaining friends. 

JC was not only a distinguished alumnus of SHS but went on to serve as a beloved teacher, mentor, and coach in the district for 32 years, where he was a favorite among the students. He had an unwavering dedication to fostering their growth and success. JC was first hired at Mill St. School and the next year at Hamlin Jr High, after 8 years he transferred to Springfield High School where he taught P.E. and coached basketball, baseball, and football. He also organized and ran Special Olympic events and intramurals, he created an Outdoor Education Program, and a badminton club. He retired as Head of the Physical Education Department of SHS in 1988, a pillar of support, inspiration, and leadership; touching the lives of thousands of young people.

JC was an avid and skilled outdoorsman. He loved to boat, fish, and hunt big game. He spent many weekends floating/fishing the McKenzie River in his drift boat. Beginning in the early 70’s he spent his summers as a river guide, navigating rivers in Oregon and Idaho with LeeRoy Pruitt and later with the Helfrich family. He was a favorite among the clients who always knew they would hear a great story, and catch the most fish if they were in JC’s boat. 

In 1986, JC met Della Roberson, and they remained together until his passing. Together, they opened their home to those in need and shared a love for dogs and cats, owning many over the years. 

In 1997, JC suffered a traumatic brain injury which would dramatically change his course in life. Following two brain surgeries he was left with life-long vertigo and deafness, requiring a cochlear implant. JC persisted and prevailed. He was an avid dog lover, he continued raising cattle, and grass hay, and had a huge vegetable and flower garden which he shared with friends and neighbors. He maintained his tradition of elk hunts and fishing trips. Many will remember seeing him at estate/garage sales where he bought many treasures to share, and boy, did he love to run his chainsaw!

JC was a compassionate and generous friend. Whether helping a neighbor with a big project, offering his home to someone in need, or visiting friends in the hospital or nursing home, his door was always open.

JC had a knack for storytelling and amazed all listeners with his vivid descriptions and amazing memory of people’s names from his coaching days, hunting trips, and adventures on the river. 

He was preceded in death by his sister Emily (Robert Buss), brother Don (Ruth), and grandson Ty Johnson. He is survived by two brothers, Lee Roy (Glenna) and Larry (Candace), his three children, Scot (Laurie), Brenda (Dan Leavitt), and Carla (Corey Heath), five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his partner Della and her family.

Donations in JC’s Memory may be made to the McKenzie River Trust at www.Mckenzieriver.org, or P.O. Box 1451 Eugene, Or 97440.

A Celebration of Life is planned for February 22, at 3:00 at the Springfield Elks Club.