Jesse (Jess) William Johnson

March 20, 1921 ~ April 2, 1913

Jess was born in Ephrata, WA and raised in the farming community by his parents Jesse Cam and Stella (Blackburn) Johnson. He attended the Catlow School in Sheep Canyon above Ephrata completing the eight grades. He worked several years at the Bread Store and Creamery in Ephrata making deliveries to Grand Coulee and Moses Lake. He also did some surveying in Alaska and while there was called in 1942 to serve in the US Marine Corps.

After boot camp, Jess joined the First Marine Division in Melbourne Australia and stayed with them through the rest of the Pacific War. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945.

Upon returning to the United States he worked in the Texaco Service Station owned by Paul Olson who became his father-in-law. He met Margaret (Peggy) Olson Krassin and her two-year-old daughter in 1945 and they became a family Aug. 10, 1947. He started working for Turf Novelty Company, an amusement game operation, and joined partnership with Ray Mandel of Soap Lake. They worked the business together until Jess retired.

Jess had a heart full of tenderness immeasurable. He was caring and giving and at the same time stern. He knew how things should be done and would let you know if you'd done right, or wrong, but always showed his love and affection for you.

Jess and his friends and some laborers cut trees and prepared them for building a cabin in the Methow that has actually stood the test of time (53 years). He and Peggy have shared their love for the outdoors with fun filled times at this cabin during all seasons. Snowmobiling in the winter and hunting and fishing during the fall and summer. There have been family reunions, Sandy Sam get-togethers, church women revivals, family vacations, and a get-away for Jess and the guys.

Jess is survived by his wife Peggy in Moses Lake; his daughter Sharon Talkington and her husband Owen of Wenatchee; his son Steve Johnson and wife Melissa of Miller Grove,TX; his twin brothers Ron Johnson of TX and Don Johnson of AZ, his elder sister Helen of Ephrata, WA; his younger sister Betty Rose Johnson of AZ. He was preceded in death by his father Jesse Cam, mother Stella, and brothers Dale, Jack, and Bert, and sister Joyce, and step brothers Roy and Edlund, and step sister Pearl.

Both son and daughter were near for his passing and a celebration of his life was held on April 4, 2013 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Moses Lake, WA. At his request his ashes will be spread at Gold Creek where his cabin is located. He will rest in peace with friends and family there.