Jay Johnson Obituary (1951 - 2024)

Joseph "Jay" D. Johnson, of Fairfield, Iowa, formerly of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the age of 73. Surviving are his beloved wife, Jacquelina (Davis) Johnson; two brothers, Frederick "Rick" Johnson and James "Jim" Johnson; three sisters, Roslyn "Lynn" Coleman, Marilyn Russo, and Cathryn Johnson; four stepchildren, David, Patrick, William, and Julia Davis; numerous nieces and nephews; and numerous great nieces and great nephews. Jay was born on March 1, 1951 to Arber and Roslyn Johnson. He graduated second in his class from Bergan High School in Peoria, Illinois, having served as captain of the swim team his junior and senior years. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, and a law degree from the University of Illinois. After passing the bar exam, Jay practiced law, including with his father and brothers, in the law firm of Swain, Johnson & Gard. In 1985, Jay left private practice and pursued his passion of teaching at the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his tenure, he also directed the paralegal studies program and traveled internationally. In 1998, Jay retired from teaching and moved to Fairfield, Iowa. He continued his service to the legal profession on the Approval Commission for the Standing Committee for Legal Assistants of the American Bar Association and was recognized for his exemplary performance. Jay also enjoyed serving on the board of the family real estate firm, Pioneer Industrial Park, Inc. In 2006, Jay moved back to Peoria, Illinois and lived on a wooded parcel overlooking the Illinois River. One of Jay's great nieces named it "Jay's Mountain." Jay's Mountain became the venue for many family gatherings, a peaceful retreat to discuss matters of life or simply watch birds, and the home of an extensive collection of family history and nature photography. However, the beauty of Jay's Mountain was no match for the allure back to Iowa, and, more pointedly, a particular woman. During discussions with a nephew on Jay's Mountain, Jay would use words like "gorgeous" and "beautiful" to describe her. On August 16, 2014, on top of Mount Evans in Colorado, Jay married the love of his life, Jacquelina, and sold Jay's Mountain a year later. For nearly a decade, Jay and Jacquelina lived a peaceful and impactful life together. They read, authored, ran small businesses, and traveled, particularly to Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, and anywhere family or friends were gathering. They spread joy and goodwill to those they encountered. Jay never knew a stranger. He seemingly either had or made friends wherever he went. The world is a better place because of him, and he will be deeply missed. Cremation has been accorded with burial at Brimfield Township Cemetery, Brimfield, Illinois. In lieu of flowers or memorials, please do as Jay did: be nice to someone. There will be a service to celebrate his life held on Sunday June 2, 2024 beginning at 2:00PM at the Brimfield Township Cemetery located at 19125 West Knoxville Road, Brimfield, IL. Then join us for a light breakfast following the service at Harrison Hall located at 320 East Illinois Street, Brimfield, IL. Please bring memories and stories of Jay to share. We look forward to seeing you.