A much-loved husband, father and grandfather, Jerry Gene Johnson, 85, died recently at his home in Dallas surrounded by family after a six-year, courageous, “never give up” fight against cancer.
Jerry was born in 1934 in Jefferson to Bryon and Edna May Johnson. He attended Jefferson High School and graduated from Arizona State University with a BBA in marketing in 1962. Additionally, Jerry served proudly in the U.S. Army stationed in Germany from 1954-55.
To say the least, Jerry lived an interesting and multifaceted life. He was the living definition of a spirited entrepreneur. He applied his substantial sales and marketing skills to many pursuits in his nearly 60-year career.
Initially, Jerry was an independent sales and marketing rep for multiple companies in the apparel industry. In 1980, he was a founding partner in Cypress Apparel Group with offices in Texas, Massachusetts and New York City. After the sale of Cypress, Jerry went on to develop and market several patented, exclusive products including the Gojac multipurpose jacket and Spira footwear.
Life was never boring for the Johnson family, who pitched a tent in many states such as Texas, Arizona, New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Jerry is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Judith Ann Johnson (Smith); son Bryan Johnson, of Dallas; son and daughter-in-law Brett and Annette Johnson, of Tulsa, Okla.; and grandchildren Blake, Alexandra, Lauren, Brandon and Rachel Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bryon and Edna May Johnson, and five sisters: Elizabeth, Francis, Kate, Mary Jane and Patricia.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s honor to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Attn: Jerry Johnson Memorial Gift Fund.
The family is being assisted by the Dalton & Son Funeral Home in Lewisville, Texas.