John Javine Johnson jr. Was born on February 5, 1933, in Skiatook, Osage County, Oklahoma in the family's ancestral farmhouse. He passed away on September 14, 2026, in St. George, Utah.

John was a member of the Osage nation. He was the only son of John Javine Johnson sr. And Veta Florene Siegmann. He had a younger sister, Susan Flotel, who predeceased him.

At the age of 4 years, the family moved to southern California. John's childhood was happy and he certainly enjoyed being around his grandparents and great grandfather on the families many trips back to Oklahoma.

During john's high school years, he worked part-time at a gas station. And, like most men, young and old, he had a lifelong love of cars, particularly fast ones.

Since college was not discussed in their home, John never considered that an option. So, he followed his friends into the military during the Korean war. Fortunately, he was chosen to attend an electronics school rather than be a gunner on a B-50.

While in the Air Force, John married his high school sweetheart and they had three children. After discharge, he worked for his father-in-law, who was a building contractor. Although life was good, John knew there had to be a better way, so he started taking night classes at the local junior college. He still had a family to support and soon secured a good job in the aero-space industry. With the encouragement of his new employer, John graduated from California State University Long Beach and advanced in the company. Johns professional life was going well, but his marriage failed.

Within a short period of time, the aero-space industry went into a severe downturn with many losing their jobs. John was fortunate to maintain employment, but he once again decided there had to be a better way.

Again, with the encouragement and support of his employer he entered law school because John still worked full, it took him four years to complete his legal education and pass the California state bar exam. John practiced family law in Orange County and the big Bear Lake area of California.

While representing a client in the central valley of California, John met a family court mediator, Melinda Jo Willmirth, who goes by Jo. One year later, they were married. Jo moved to Big Bear Lake, where they lived for two years. They then moved to Jo’s hometown, Fresno, California, where they both had very successful careers. They traveled extensively, particularly after retiring within ten months of each other. John loved his corvette Z06's and they thoroughly enjoyed their membership in corvette clubs.

In 2015, John and Jo moved to St. George, Utah, after visiting close friends, who had recently moved to the area.. Within a year, they became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believing that was their destiny. Their life in Utah has been wonderful.

John dearly loved his devoted wife of over 40 years Jo, his son John E. Johnson, his daughter Paula Brandon, his grandson Brian Brandon, and great-grandson Mason Brandon. And, of course he leaves many good friends and neighbors.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 South Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454.

Family and friends are invited to share their condolences and sign John’s online guestbook at www.SpislburyMortuary.com