J C Johnson

J C Johnson passed away August 20, 2019 at his ranch in Centralia, OK while tending his cattle.

J C was born May 28, 1925 in the oil boom tent city of Three Sands, OK to J A (John Albert) and Charlotte (Grieser) Johnson. The family moved several times, causing J C to start 1st grade at three different schools, before the family settled in Centralia in 1937. J C was drafted and proudly served in the Army in World War II in the Philippine Islands. He was aboard a ship preparing to invade Japan when the Atomic Bomb fell and Japan surrendered. J C also served in Korea during the Deportation of the Japanese. He returned home in 1947. J C has been a member of the American Legion Dale Peace Post 40 for 61 years.

J C married Marjorie Earlene Cordray on June 10, 1948. They purchased and moved to their ranch in 1950 living in a converted boxcar before moving into a 2-room house. J C and Marjorie had three sons, John Ray, Stanley Dee and Kenneth James Johnson. J C worked several different jobs throughout his life, primarily as a Truck Driver for many companies; Complete Auto Transport, White Oak Mill, Wales Trucklines and Frank and Sons before he became independent in the late 1970’s. He also worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator in the oil fields, and helped to build the Will Rogers Turnpike and Oologah Dam. J C was an avid flyer, getting his pilot license in 1948 at Monkey Island Airport. He loved to hunt and fish traveling to Colorado, Alaska, South Dakota, Canada and the Gulf of Mexico. He especially loved traveling abroad with his good friend John Bond where they visited South Africa, Greece, Romania, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Jamaica.

J C was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marjorie; son Stan; brother Ralph; sisters Agnes and Phyllis.

Survivors include sons, John and wife Connie of Quincy, IL, Ken and wife Toni of Vinita; brothers, Bob of OKC, Lloyd of Nowata, OK, John of Zena, OK; grandchildren, Angela Ragsdill and husband Jeff, Brad Johnson and wife Nina, Blake Johnson, Daniel Johnson, Jordan Johnson and wife Angela, Maggie Proctor and husband Brian, Jessie Johnson, Gene Ann Nelson, Garrett Nelson, Hudson Nelson; great grandchildren, Baylee Ragsdill, Brett Ragsdill, Blayne Ragsdill, Tristan Johnson, David, DJ, and Brianna Proctor. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and several friends.

Visitation will be Friday, August 23, 2019 in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Services will be held 10:00 am Saturday, August 24, 2019 at the Vinita Church of Christ with Bob Hampton officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left on our website www.honoringmemories.com or our Luginbuel Facebook page. The family asks that donations be made to the American Legion, Home of Hope or Honor Flight in memory of J C Johnson.