Mr. Johnson was born in Rockbridge Baths on Feb. 17, 1941, a son of James Thomas Johnson Jr. and Mary Gold (Oscar) Johnson.

John attended Beverly Manor and Woodrow Wilson High School, served six years in the United States Army, and an additional 20 years in the National Guard, where he retired with the rank of sergeant major.

He then enjoyed a distinguished 27-year career with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), retiring as a bridge superintendent. Afterward, John spent 20 years as a project representative at Delta Airport Consultants and later worked for an additional four years as a consultant at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, retiring in December 2016.

John was a member of St. Paul’s Church and loved his Lord with all of his heart. He had a passion for outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, boating and target practice. Additionally, Mr. Johnson enjoyed driving Richard Petty cars, with his friend Brady, at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, reaching a high speed of 160 mph at the age of 75. He loved his dogs, Snoopy, Missy, Penolopi, Noel and his current dog, Emma.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by four brothers, James O. Johnson, Harry B. “H.B.” Johnson, Franklin L. Johnson and Elwood H. Johnson; and four sisters, Mary F. Green, Claire L. Anderson, Viola M. Strickler and Gladys A. Oscar.

Mr. Johnson was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 31 years, are five children, John W. Johnson Jr. and his wife Debbie of Greenville, Anita R. Nevils and her husband Gary of Staunton, David M. Johnson and his wife Dianna of Greenville, Michael A. Johnson and his girlfriend Angie of Stuarts Draft, and Edward C. Hostetter and his wife Penny of Lexington; eight grandchildren, Matthew Marks, Sandra Johnson, Christina Sheffer, Jennifer Johnson, Samantha Sevensma, Sarah Edward, Hannah Johnson, and Anthony “Scottie” Hostetter; and eight great-grandchildren, Cailey, Dayvin, Jocelyn, Holden, Jade, Macy, Maxwell, and Maverick.

The family received friends on Sunday, Nov. 17, at Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory.

In keeping with John’s wishes, his body will be cremated and buried in the military section of Oaklawn Memory Gardens at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to the Staunton-Augusta Regional SPCA, P.O. Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402; the Shenandoah Valley Animal Services Center, 1001 Mt. Torrey Road, Lyndhurst, VA 22952; or an animal rescue organization of your choice.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, Staunton, is in charge of his arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.coffmanfuneralhome.net.