OBITUARY

President of Farmer’s bank John J. Johnson dies during high school basketball game.

John J. Johnson, 74, passed away on Monday night in Riverdale after having a heart attack
during the town’s high school basketball game against Geneva.

Johnson spent all his life in Riverdale and throughout his life was a dedicated member of the
community, which may have been influenced by his father who was a longtime minister of
the First Presbyterian Church of Riverdale. His devotion to Riverdale was so strong that he
was even incarcerated for six months after evading the draft in 1944 so that he wouldn’t have
to leave.

Johnson graduated with an MBA from Riverdale University in 1950. During his time there he
played basketball and was an all-conference performer. Even after he finished college and
started his life, Johnson’s community and school spirit never wavered as he was a member of
the Riverdale School Board for decade. Johnson also had political inclinations as he was a
member of the Riverdale’s City Council from 1970-1978. And not straying away from his
field of expertise he was President of the State Banker’s Association in 1977. Lastly, before
his death he was the President of Farmer’s bank.

Johnson’s funeral will take place on Thursday at 11 a.m., at McGrew-Jones Funeral Home,
2121 Central Ave. The burial is in Evergreen Cemetery.

Any contributions for the memorial service should be directed to the local heart association.

Johnson is survived only by his wife Helen.