Obituary of Kermit B. Johnson

Kermit B. Johnson, 88, of Jamestown, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at UPMC Chautauqua. He passed early in the morning, just a few hours after his beloved late wife, Janet's birthday. Kermit has now joined her once again and forever for a glorious, heavenly birthday reunion. He was born on January 31, 1932 in WCA Hospital in Jamestown, a son of the late Hilmer B. and Ingeborg (Peterson) Johnson. Kermit had still kept and was very proud of his original hospital bill in the amount of $19.50. He was a graduate of Falconer High School where he played on the football team. After graduation in 1951, he was accepted into the Marine Corps. He was always very proud of being a Marine; Semper Fi (Always Faithful). Kermit spent four years in the Marines during the Korean War and rose to the rank of Sergeant. He served in various locations, including Japan. He proudly received numerous medals, including National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal. Kerm played in the Marine Band and had the privilege of playing in the Rose Bowl Parade in California in 1952 and the Rice Bowl football game in Japan in 1953 as both a trumpeter and cymbal player. He also had the great honor of playing in the Marine Band for President Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration gala in 1953 in Washington D.C. After his service in the Marines, Kermit attended J.C.C. He worked for a time at Hydraulic Products in Jamestown and then for 36 years at Weber Knapp in Jamestown and Falconer as the plant manager for industrial engineering. Kermit was a man of many talents, interests and hobbies. He personally built the two homes that he lived in and enjoyed with his family. He was an avid golfer and a member of Blueberry Golf Course in Scandia, Pa. He built a log cabin overlooking the 14th tee and enjoyed many years golfing and entertaining family and friends there. He also belonged to the Vikings. Kerm and Janet enjoyed many memorable vacations with family and friends, especially to St. Maarten and Iceland where they had extended family. Kermit and Janet retired to Florida at the young age of 62 and enjoyed many happy years there together. They came back to Jamestown every summer to spend with family. Kerm was also an avid car enthusiast, owning and enjoying numerous Corvettes over the years, as well as a custom Model A roadster that he and Janet would cruise around Florida having fun. Kermit was a friend to all who needed a helping hand. When family and friends needed something fixed or built, it was time to call him. He had a special God given talent of being able to do most anything and he gladly did so for all who asked. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend who will always be remembered for his laughter and joke telling, and especially for the times he spent with his family whom he cherished very much. He is survived by his daughters: Catherine (Dennis) Faulk of Jamestown, Jody (Randy) Christensen of Russell, Pa., Susan (Gene) Shoup of Tucson, AZ and Helga Arnadottir of Iceland. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Dr. Michael (Jamie) Faulk, Jason Faulk and Travis (Julia) Faulk of Jamestown, Shannon (Brian) Talaga of Las Vegas, NV, Jessica Shoup of Tucson, AZ and Jim Christensen of Clarendon, PA; and sixteen great-grandchildren: Paxton, Piper, Lennon, Maven, Perri, Jaxson, Trey, Morgan and Francesca Faulk, all of Jamestown, Harper and Ainsley Talaga of Las Vegas, and Emily, Maddy, Carter, Grant and Lauren Fruge, all of Tucson. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Janet Anderson Johnson whom he married July 11, 1953 and who died May 30, 2009; two sisters, Beverly Trubic and Doreen Lauer; and his brother, Duane Johnson. The family wishes to thank all the wonderful staff at UPMC Chautauqua for their wonderful care and concern. 'We will always be grateful'. A private family memorial service will be held. Visitation will not be observed. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. The family also suggests that memorials may be made to the Kiantone Fire Department, 2318 Stillwater-Frewsburg Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701; or the Salvation Army Church, 83 S. Main St., Jamestown, NY 14701.