- Date Of Birth: April 27, 1949
- Date Of Death: June 13, 2018
- State: Illinois
Richard H.” Rick” Johnson, 69, of South Jacksonville, IL passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, June 13, 2018, at Lavender Ridge in Jacksonville surrounded by his family. He was born April 27, 1949, in Joliet, IL, the son of Robert and Marilyn Peterson Johnson. He married Patricia L. “Pat” Jaggers on September 12, 1970, in Lockport, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by three children, Lauren Range (husband, Lance) of Jacksonville, Christine Hall (husband, Brexton) of Jacksonville, and Daryl Johnson (wife, Megan) of Morton; eight grandchildren, Ben, Ellen, and Leah Range and Connor, Owen and Reid Hall, all of Jacksonville and Henry and Charlie Johnson of Morton; two brothers, Jarred Johnson (wife, Melanie) of Plainfield and Robert Johnson of Joliet; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jill Berg.
A 1967 graduate of Joliet West High School, Rick received a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University –Carbondale in 1973 and a master’s degree from Sangamon State University in 1982. He had a distinguished 35-year career in education with School District 117. He taught science and math at Jacksonville High School and Jonathan Turner Junior High School and served six years as an assistant principal at Turner Junior High. After retiring, Rick enjoyed helping patients and visitors as an ambassador at Passavant Area Hospital for 10 years.
Rick served four years with the Illinois Army National Guard and later served 31 years with the Illinois Air National Guard, retiring as a master sergeant for the 183rd Fighter Wing. He was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, the Jacksonville Propkickers remote control airplane club, and the former Jacksonville Area Antique Car Club. He maintained a life-long interest in automobiles, especially antique and British cars. He was an avid runner and while teaching, he served as an assistant coach for the Turner Junior High Cross Country team.
His greatest passion was reserved for his family, especially spoiling his grandchildren. His loves were many including his wife, his country, watching The Simpsons, and eating his favorite hotdogs.
