Jewel Pierce Johnson Jr.

Jewel Pierce Johnson Jr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and son, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024, at Delmar Gardens in Lenexa, Kansas. He was 93 years old.

Born on February 10, 1931, in Sparta, Georgia, Jewel was the son of Jewel Pierce Johnson Sr. and Mildred Claire (Brake) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Claire Jackson, all of Jacksonville, Florida.

Jewel proudly served his country as a Corporal and Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) in the United States Army. He was stationed overseas in the Philippines during the Korean War. He was an avid photographer capturing many of his experiences while serving abroad. After his service, he embarked on a lifelong career in sales. It was during his early days as a shoe salesman that he met the love of his life, Helen McPherson Johnson, when she visited the store with her mother. Their love story spanned over 70 years of marriage. Jewel went on to achieve great success in his career, setting records at the Drackett Company and rising to the position of National Sales Manager.

He enjoyed portrait sketching and painting B&W photo negatives, creating beautiful artwork. He loved woodworking and his yard, continually planting trees for the birds he loved to watch. 

A devout man of Christ, Jewel lived his faith with authenticity and a deep commitment to justice and compassion. He was an advocate for the less fortunate and a defender of those without a voice. Known for his sharp wit and love of storytelling, Jewel often "held court" with friends and family as he recounted tales from his remarkable life. Despite not pursuing formal education beyond high school, he was a true scholar—an avid reader and brilliant thinker whose insights left a lasting impression on all who knew him and especially his children and grandchildren. 

Jewel is survived by his beloved wife Helen (McPherson) Johnson; his children Janet E. Malcolm (Eugene), Jeffrey P. Johnson (Paula), and Jonathan K. Johnson (Michelle); 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; with one more expected soon.

He often boasted that he believed his family were the “best people” and took pride in each and every one of his “people”. 

We as “his people” would like to also say, while we lost our most beloved dad, many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic humor and witty timing and to others even a glorious pain in the neck, which we’re sure is a small select few. Because no matter what happened between you and him, once you were marked as important to him, he would be by your side if you needed him. He would always be your champion. There is so much more to him than just dad, though to us that was his greatest role. 

Services will be held on January 3, 2025, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S. Black Bob Road, Olathe, KS 66062. Visitation begins at 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with interment to follow.

Jewel’s legacy of faith, wisdom, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.