Rev. J.R. Johnson, 88, of Beaumont, died on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at Silsbee Oaks Health Care. He was born on January 13, 1922, in Wichita Falls, Texas, and remained there through his high school years.

Rev. Johnson graduated from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and received his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Texas Christian University. He was an ordained minister of the Disciples of Christ denomination and served numerous Christian Church congregations, primarily in Oklahoma and Texas, for nearly sixty years, including Northwood Christian Church of Beaumont and First Christian Church of Woodville, Texas.

Rev. Johnson is survived by his five children, Sally Rhodes of Beaumont, Jo Katon and her husband Jim of Glen Ellen, California; Randal Johnson and his wife Aparecida of Los Angeles, California; Jan Hogan and her husband Matthew of Arlington, Texas; and Mark Johnson and his wife Joyce of Tolar, Texas. In addition he is survived by nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Rev. Johnson's life will be held at Northwood Christian Church, 5050 Eastex Freeway, on Sunday, April 18, at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Don Joseph, church pastor and family friend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Northwood Christian Church Building Fund, 5050 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77708.