Obituary of J. Robert Johnson

J. Robert Johnson, 95, of 26 Cobbe Circle, West Ellicott, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, November 20, 2014, in the Lutheran Home and Rehabilitation Center. An area resident for most of his life, he was born July 1, 1919 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late John Andrew and Vendla Anderson Johnson. Bob was a graduate of Frewsburg Central School and attended Fredonia State College and Buffalo State College earning his Masters in Administration Degree and earned his physical education degree from Cortland State Teachers College, where he played on the baseball team. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II from May 29, 1942 to August 19, 1946. During his tour of duty he was a physical training officer and was Chief of physical reconditioning at the England General Hospital, Atlantic City, NJ and also in Washington, D.C. where he was responsible for the recreational welfare of the troops. Before his retirement he was the elementary school Principal for the Bemus Point Central School System for 21 years. During his professional career he was a member of the School Administrators Association of New York State, where he was in charge of several conferences for New York State Principals, a member of the New York State Teachers Association and the New York State Retired Teachers Association. He was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church where he was born, raised and confirmed. He was also a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the Jamestown Elks Lodge, the Ingjald Lodge #65 Independent Order of the Vikings and the American Legion. Bob loved being outdoors spending time fishing and golfing in the senior golf league. He also enjoyed bowling, dancing and spending winters in Florida. He and his late wife, Althea, traveled to all 50 states and much of Europe and while living in Sunset Bay for 22 years loved boating on Chautauqua Lake. Surviving are his nieces and nephews; Sandra Strack of Cleveland, OH, William Bremmer of Fairview, PA, Jessie Reese of Florida, Janet Willis of Akron, OH, Susan Hallin of Jamestown, NY, Roger Sonntag of Rochester, NY, Bill Bremmer of Washington, DC, Becky Shives of Lancaster, PA, John Bremmer of Lakewood, NY, Mindy Goris of Alexandria, VA and David Bremmer of Seattle, WA. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife the former Althea Bremmer Johnson whom he married July 1, 1944 and who died March 9, 2010 and a sister Helen Condon who died March 3, 2003. A memorial service will be held at a later date and time to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in the Lake View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church, 120 Chandler St. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to a charity of one's choice.