Sara Elkot (900212797)

JRMC 2202:Multimedia Writing

Riverdale Mourns the Passing of John J. Johnson, Respected President of Farmer’s Bank

and a Pillar of the Community

Riverdale’s own John J. Johnson passed away on Monday at the age of 74. He was well

known for being the president of Farmer's Bank in Riverdale and lived at 1111 Main St.

Johnson’s untimely death occurred during the first quarter of Monday night’s Riverdale High

School basketball game against Geneva, the cause of death being a heart attack.

John J. Johnson is survived by his loving wife, Helen. His memory will be honored by

friends, and family at the funeral services on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the McGrew-Jones Funeral

Home, 2121 Central Ave. in Riverdale.

A Riverdale native and son of the minister of Riverdale’s First Presbyterian Church, John

J. Johnson's accomplishments serve as a testament to a well-rounded journey that is intimately

intertwined with his hometown. In 1950, Johnson graduated with an MBA from Riverdale

University. In addition to his remarkable success as President of the State Bankers' Association

in 1977, he also spent a significant portion of his life in public service, serving on the Riverdale

School Board from 1960 to 1970 and the Riverdale City Council from 1970 to 1978.

Johnson's varied interests and experiences were evident. A gifted athlete, John made a

significant impact on the basketball program at Riverdale University and was regarded as one of

the top players in his conference. Not only could his character be demonstrated by his athleticism

but also his ability to overcome hardship. His life was not without obstacles, In 1944, he faced a
conviction for draft evasion, serving a six-month prison sentence, as reflected in newspaper

clippings from the morgue.

We honor John J. Johnson's life, which was filled with successes and failures but was also

defined by a strong sense of community spirit. The cemetery at Evergreen will serve as his

resting place. Flowers and donations directed to the local Heart Association are welcome and

strongly encouraged. What truly defines who we are is how we respond to life's difficulties and

successes.