Obituary

WILLIAM H JOHNSON (1941 – 2022)

William (Bill) H Johnson, age 80, died at his home in Florence, AZ on January 17, 2022. He was born March 11, 1941 in Oakland, CA at the Salvation Army Booth Home for Unwed Mothers. He was adopted by Howard and Avis Johnson and raised in Klamath Falls, OR. In 1959, after graduating from Klamath Union HS, he joined the United States Air Force. He married Jacqueline (George) Johnson in December 1961. They celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary in December 2021!

Bill is survived by his wife, Jackie, their son Kristopher Johnson (Klamath Falls, OR) and their daughter Kari Cornicelli (husband Joe), Scottsdale, AZ.  Bill was the proud granddad of Megan Johnson, (Knightdale, NC), Aaron Cooper (wife Katelyn), Alvarado, TX, and Matthew Cornicelli (Scottsdale, AZ). He also adored his two great-grandchildren, Kynlee and Weston Cooper who reside in Alvarado, TX. Bill deeply loved his family; they were his pride and joy and are now his legacy.

Bill served twenty years in USAF, living in Florida, New Mexico, and Utah. He retired from Hill AFB, Layton, UT in 1979. Bill was a patriotic American who imparted his love for the United States to his family. He was a proud veteran and held a sincere appreciation for the freedoms that we have today.

He started his second career in the field of Safety, working at Morton Thiokol in Utah and then Atlantic Research Corporation, living in Alabama, Indiana, Texas and Arkansas. While living in Arkansas, he pursued his passion for law enforcement, serving both as a part-time and volunteer Sherriff. Bill again retired in 2008 and relocated to Medford, OR.

Bill loved to camp and travel; the family camped throughout the western US resulting in many fond family experiences. He instilled a passion for the great outdoors in both his children and grandchildren. Bill and Jackie spent their retirement years serving as mobile missionaries at various Christian churches and camps throughout the western US. They were active with Mobile Missionaries Assistance Program and Coaches for Christ. Their numerous trips and community and church volunteer service was very fulfilling for him.

In 2017, through the efforts of a volunteer DNA research angel, Bill identified both biological parents, Thomas J Quintana, and Gertrude Garrett. He was the youngest of nine half siblings and met one half-sister who proceeded Bill’s death by a few weeks.

Bill will be remembered for his steadfast commitment to being a man of integrity, his love for both his wife of sixty years and their family, for his service to his Country and for his volunteer service to the community. A memorial service will be held in Klamath Falls, OR in June 2022.