Arthur David Johnson

David Johnson, 80, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, September 16, 2023 in Jacksonville. FL. He is survived by Joyce Grader Johnson, his wife of 59 years; siblings Peter and Odette; sons Tim and Phil; daughters-in-law Silvia and Marina; grandchildren Sarah, Alyona, Nikita, and Tony; and great-grand children Katy and Arian. He was also loved by many close friends, extended relatives and in-laws. David was born in Pittsburgh, PA on September 23, 1942. He graduated from Columbia University with a BS and MBA, and met his future wife Joyce, who graduated from St. Luke's Nursing College "across the street". Once married, David's career path took them to Corning, NY where Phil joined the family; Amherst, NH where Tim joined them; then 16 years in Pittsfield, MA. Joyce's quest for warm weather and diving took them to Orange Park, FL for 30 years, where dad retired from Lafarge in Palatka, FL. He accomplished his dream of owning a company - a machine shop in Keene, NH for a short time. He chose to work for smaller companies during his career as an industrial purchasing agent, including Columbia Bicycles, which allowed him to take samples of the latest toys home to his sons after the annual Toy Show each year, Gowdy-Shandoff's, and Bicron Electronics. David was an active camper, and took several canoe camping trips with family and friends to the Allagash River in Maine and other exotic places. He was an Eagle Scout and was a scout leader and sustaining member for years. He was an avid game player, including Hearts and Scrabble. He equally enjoyed a quiet weekend at home (installing a dishwasher or other projects "on the list") or a hike down into the Grand Canyon. He loved to cook and tend the garden, often picking fresh tomatoes for dinner once arriving home from work. David was committed to social action work, including participation in the Fresh Air Fund, hosting a 1980 Presidential Candidate's campaign team at the family home, and hosting an International Student exchange student, More recently, he taught English to Immigrants, participated and led discussions with the Jacksonville Human Rights Commission, dedicated countless hours to Wage Peace, and tirelessly contacted his Senators' offices to advocate for legislation he felt was important. He found active fellowship with his chosen faith, the Unitarian Universalist Church, in three of the communities where he lived. David was challenged by three different cancer diagnoses since 2013, and an untreatable lung infection this year. He lived his life to the fullest even despite his medical issues: A year after his first cancer, he marched with Joyce in a Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. A year after his second, he rebuilt a wood chipper, chipped brush from the yard, and placed the chippings around the yard. He was determined to stay in their house until he couldn't, and moved to an Independent Living Facility with Joyce earlier this year - with stress on the word independent. In lieu of flowers, please remember David in the following ways: 1) vote, contact your representatives frequently to tell them how they are doing, and vote again. 2) Participate in one of the above named organizations, or a similar one. Consider a financial contribution to the same. He will be remembered in a private ceremony with close family.

Arthur David Johnson

September 23, 1942 - September 16, 2023