Comments on: Lt. Col Joseph Johnson, Jr.

By: James Schmitz

James Schmitz — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 22:40:03 +0000

Joe was a kind and resourceful person. I knew Joe through the Nebraska Book Store, and the Nebraska Air National Guard. Occasionally, Joe would get together with my brother Terry and myself, and we would play the card game of Hearts for hours. Joe was also very helpful to me when I was writing essays for my English classes at UNL. There is a Rose Bush in Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens Joe dedicated to my mother, Marcella Elizabeth Mulligan Schmitz. Physically, Joe may not be with us, but he will live on in our hearts and minds.

By: James Schmitz

James Schmitz — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 07:25:46 +0000

Joe was a kind and resourceful person. I knew Joe through the Nebraska Book Store and the Nebraska Air National Guard. Occasionally, Joe would get together with my brother Terry and myself, and we would play the card game of Hearts for hours. Joe was also very helpful to me when I was writing essays for my English classes at UNL. There is a Rose Bush in Lincoln’s Sunken Gardens Joe dedicated to my mother, Marcella Elizabeth Mulligan Schmitz. Physically, Joe may not be with us, but he will live on in our hearts and minds.

By: Sharon Scott

Sharon Scott — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 20:44:09 +0000

Dear Joe, my cousin, was a close buddy during the time we were growing up in Lincoln, when he lived on Van Dorn and later on Calvert St, we both went to Sheridan and SouthEast and enjoyed many afternoons in the treehouse and sandbox, and the pond down in the park. He was just a year ahead of me. Glad we had those years because I moved away from Lincoln soon after. With several cousins at southeast, Jim Murphy. Sandie Johnson Frank, Jo Anne Scott Jackson (can you believe SEHS had even elementary students for a time) Joe and I as students had good role models and, with a principal like Hazel G. Scott (our aunt), and teachers like Roy Churchill (cousin), Mr. Frederick and Mr. Oscar Bretthorst, we had lots of extended family to look after us. We probably didn’t appreciate it as much as we should have at the time, but the discipline I’m sure stood him in good stead in Joe’s military career. Joe had a ready wit, and a kindness and I am sure we have all been better for knowing him. I have missed his e-mails for a time now, knew his illness was serious when we couldn’t even communicate that way. The illnesses that sneak up on us with old age are not kind, and hope the resurrection that the Bible speaks of will be his lot. In the meantime, may his memory bring a smile to all of us who will miss him! Condolences to all you family.

By: Kristin Hain

Kristin Hain — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:43:04 +0000

Joe was my Uncle (my mom’s brother) and we had a close relationship for most of my life. He was always a source of support and encouragement and played a key role in helping me through some very hard times. We spent time together nearly every Thanksgiving and Christmas when I was an adult. He was a smart, generous, and articulate man. I will always remember his love for culinary arts and good food. He never hesitated to leave an incredible tip for good service at his favorite restaurants. He kept to himself in day to day life, but was a dedicated friend to many who I heard him speak highly of over the years. He loved his sister (my mom), his kids and always expressed how much respect he had for them, and for me and my own family. Much love to his kids (my cousins) Mike and Anne, and the rest of his family and friends who he left behind. He made a significant impact on my life and will be remembered and missed forever.

By: Robert Peterson MSgt Retired

Robert Peterson MSgt Retired — Sat, 08 Oct 2022 19:23:11 +0000

To Lt Col Johnson’s family, He was a strict and by the book officer. He was also very generous to international allies he deployed a few times and he provided logistical support. I was a first line supervisor in the supply squadron in the early eighties. The 155th ARW was blessed by his service.

By: Jill Cole

Jill Cole — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 20:59:11 +0000

Ah, Joe…A buddy since first grade. I will always remember him for being a great advocate for me and my friends and for his unwavering loyalty to Lincoln Southeast High School, his son, his grandchildren and the US Military. Often we differed in political beliefs but we had a great time challenging each other. I will miss you Joe! Jill Cole

By: Jerry & Carolyn (McCulley) McArtor

Jerry & Carolyn (McCulley) McArtor — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 17:02:57 +0000

Joe was a one of a kind, classmate, friend and Patriot. Our family always enjoyed his “stop over” visits with us in western (Grant) Nebraska – always reminiscing about the good times in Lincoln. He was traveling more then & we learned some about son, Mike & family in CO. He was so proud of his family & often shared updates about Sandie. He continually sent caring updates to us about our classmates from LSE Class of ’60 + recipes & projects he was enjoying. We will miss him and are grateful for the times shared & memories held.

By: Becky Martin

Becky Martin — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 02:18:43 +0000

My sympathy to Joe’s family. Joe sure had a big heart! I worked with him on several nominations for the Lincoln Southeast Sports Hall of Fame – including my Dad’s. He was very generous with his time, efforts, and positive work for his alma mater. I enjoyed getting to know him as we worked on Dad’s nomination and eventual induction. May your fond memories give you some joy, hope and peace.

By: John M. Bailey Cmsgt retired

John M. Bailey Cmsgt retired — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 22:04:45 +0000

In reply to Gary Lee Frantz, MSgt., Ret.. I always liked and respected LT Col Johnson. He was a huge help to the Chief's Council in getting names and dates straight when we were designing and building the Retiree Memorial. He was a good leader and a true patriot. Rest in peace sir.

By: Gary Lee Frantz, MSgt., Ret.

Gary Lee Frantz, MSgt., Ret. — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 18:28:06 +0000

For a brief time in 1979 Joe Johnson was my commander in the 155th Services Flight. He served us well and started the process of getting food and lodging services out of the dark ages. He pushed hard to get us to take our wartime mission and our image seriously. RIP Sir.