On 12/15/18, Joseph J. Johnson Jr. "Joe" slipped the bonds of this world to be embraced in another.  He left his mark on so many; the void in our hearts can only be filled by the trove of happy and comical memories he gave us.  There are so many.  Heaven is now graced with his grin and his laugh.

Joe was a one of a kind soul and the consummate "gentle giant" though he showed no fear of anything.  He was quick to admit his faults, and used them as lessons for his children or just to poke fun at himself to make someone smile.  He had a nickname for everyone.  Whether you were Enis (Shawn), Bub/Bubba (Jason), Turdy (Kayla), Junior, Slim, Gumby, Punkin, Suzy Q or Tootsy, the ornery grin on his face when he saw you told you he valued you and he wanted to make you smile back.  It was hard not to.

The lessons he left will be passed on for generations; that is truly the mark of a man.  His example as a respectful husband and a father will live through his children and grandchildren and certainly for generations beyond.  Joe found a perfect balance between working hard and enjoying life.  Where so many fail at this, he succeeded triumphantly and left an example. While working full time, he would return home to pick corn until late in the night to keep pork and beef in the freezer.  With that example he taught his children work ethic.  On the weekends, it was fishing in the summer (sometimes all night), squirrel or rabbit hunting in the fall and winter, and the grail of an outdoorsman (which no one could doubts he was); "deer season".  He passed this on to his kids and grandkids as they were all on the farm deer hunting this past deer season.  Amidst all of this he made it to football games, basketball games, dance recitals and sled hockey games with his unabashed cheer and grin for a game well fought.

Given the opportunity to talk, he stopped to chat no matter what he had going on. Given the opportunity to teach, he taught the outdoors and trades.  Given the opportunity to help, he gave of himself without hesitation. Many can attest to the lessons he taught.  Many can also attest to the hands he lent which were cracked and callused.  Those hands will be sorely missed on Earth.  You are a man and a legend.  God bless you Dad, Papa Joe, Brother and Uncle. May you bring smiles to our loved ones in heaven as much as you have those who have known you on Earth.  We love you immensely and will miss you intensely.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother Helen "Marie" and his father Joseph and sister Felicia.  He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Janet Johnson (Devine).  He is also survived by his children, Kayla Johnson and Brian Barber, Jason and Michele Fescemyer, and Shawn Fescemyer.  His grandchildren include Vallee Rae, Xavier, Mylah, Zack, and Brittany who will sorely miss their Papa Joe.  He is also survived by his sister Patricia Leach (and the late Ed Leach), brothers Ken and Ron Murray, and their wives Pam and Donna respectively. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be at held on December 19, 2018 between 4:00 pm until 6:30pm at the New Alexander Christian Church.  At 6:30 pm a short ceremony will commence until 7:00 in which time prayers will be held and stories will be told to celebrate Joe's life.  At 7:00 a dinner will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request memories.  We feel this is especially important in order to include those who are too far to travel.  We would like to have the best memory of Joe sent via e-mail to Jason ( jmxfescemyer@gmail.com ) or Kayla (Kaylajohnson45@yahoo.com) or to Kayla Johnson or Jason Fescemyer via Facebook Private message.  If you would like to remain anonymous, please state that in the message, but we would like to share funny memories, and inspirational moments with all who love the man and the legend.  Dress attire is casual.  We will have scissors available to cut off ties.  Camouflage, jeans, and work boots are highly encouraged.  He would have wanted nothing more.