Leigh High School Alumni
San Jose, California (CA)
Jerry Johnson Obituary
Jerry Johnson attended Leigh High School in San Jose, CA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Jerry Johnson.
| Graduation Year | Class of 1968 |
| Date of Passing | Aug 20, 2017 |
| About | Reverend Gerald Ellis Johnson, a true servant of the Lord, was called home on August 20, 2017 at the age of 66. Jerry Johnson was born November 10, 1950 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. When he was a young boy he had a powerful dream detailing how people were dying without knowing the Lord. Even at this young age he knew it was a call to preach. When his family relocated to San Jose, California December 1961, they joined Antioch Baptist Church. This is where he preached his first sermon at the tender age of ten under the direction and mentorship of Rev. C. W. Washington. Jerry attended Leigh High School in San Jose where he participated in the following clubs; Debate Team, Drama Club and Cross Country Track. Jerry came back after graduating and produced "The Soul Show" for 2 years in a row. It was a sell out both years. He was very passionate about drama and while attending Riverside Baptist College he joined a drama trio that performed the play “People vs Christ”, written by Albert Johnson. The group performed this play throughout California. After college in Riverside Jerry returned to San Jose and continued to serve at Antioch Baptist Church. He worked with the youth group and served in the pulpit as an Associate Minister. When he wrote his sermons he always wrote them out by hand weeks before he delivered them. He would then pray through them asking the Lord for guidance. Jerry’s love for travel started early in his life. At the age of 26 along with has younger sister Beverly Lynne, they decided that they wanted to take a trip to Europe. So they packed their backpacks, purchased a Eurorail pass, and took off backpacking all over Europe for 30 days. They traveled to London, Paris France, Rome Italy, Madrid Spain, Geneva Switzerland, Norway, Hannover Germany, Copenhagen Sweden, Austria. It was quite an adventure sleeping in Youth Hostels. Jerry made a career working at Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation as a Counselor for more than twenty-four years. He retired in 1996. While working at the probation department he took many exotic vacations, such as Mexico, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Thailand. Thailand is where he found peace and relaxation. Much needed for a stressful job like the probation department. No wonder he chose to visit Thailand more after retirement. He also believed the Lord called him there to minister to the people that had never heard about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His focus was on the families that needed milk for the babies and food. He built a school and a playground for children with the support of Antioch Baptist Church. Jerry continued his mission in Thailand for over 22 years. He found peace and a nearness to God in Thailand until the Lord called him home on August 20, 2017. |
Beverly Johnson '72 said:
Rest in peace my sweet brother servant of God. I’ll see you when I get there. Love you Jerry
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