Johnny H. (Jay) Johnson

We are heartbroken to announce the loss of our father and grandfather, who passed away June 9, 2025, at the age of 83.   

Johnny H. (Jay) Johnson was born to Leo Hilstead Johnson and Afton Johnanna Hansen in Preston, Idaho, on Dec. 14, 1941. Jay told many loving stories about growing up in Southeastern Idaho with his five siblings. He was especially proud of the summers he spent herding sheep by himself for months at a time. 

Jay served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California as a young man. While on his mission, he spent a good deal of time on the Horn farm in Turlock. It became apparent why 14 months after his mission, when he returned to California and proposed to LaVern Ann Horn on their first date. They were married June 5, 1964, in the Logan, Utah, temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Shortly after their marriage, they were separated when Jay was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He served his country proudly as a Seargeant in the Army's 1st Division from December 1965 to September 1967. After his service, Jay and LaVern were blessed with four children: John Micarl (Mickey), Elizabeth Ann (Nathan Crowell), Jeremy Marcuis, and Joseph Bryce (LeiAnn). The family spent time in Utah, Idaho, and California before settling in Moses Lake, Wash.  

Jay worked for many years in the agricultural business. He also had jobs in real estate and as a school bus driver.

One of Jay's greatest loves was his time as a leader in the 89'ers 4-H club, raising sheep. Many of his friends remember the countless hours he dedicated to this endeavor. Spending time teaching the kids was especially rewarding. He also loved his garden and always grew more than they could possibly eat, allowing him to share the bounty with his friends and neighbors. Some of our most cherished memories are dinners at Grandma and Grandpa's house. There was always delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.  

Jay never met a practical joke he didn't enjoy. He loved to laugh, especially at the expense of unsuspecting victims.

There is a big difference between being a shepherd and a sheep herder. The shepherd knows his sheep. Sheep love and follow the shepherd. Each of Jay's family members flocked to his bedside when he suffered a stroke June 3, 2025. Jay's biggest concern was to make sure his family knew of his love for them and that they'd be cared for.

Jay will be interred at the Medical Lake Veterans Cemetery with full military honors for anyone who wishes to attend July 11 at 9:30 a.m. He will be memorialized at 11 a.m. July 12, 2025. The service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 351 E. Yonezawa in Moses Lake.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his great-grandson, Calvin.  

He is survived by one sister, two brothers, his wife and children, 16 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren with one on the way. 

    Jay Johnson enjoyed taking care of animals and passed a love of shepherding on to the generations after him.