1922
Richard
2008
Richard J. Johnson
January 15, 1922 — July 24, 2008
Richard J. Johnson, of Moline, age 86, passed away peacefully at Trinity Pathway Hospice in the presence of family on Thursday, July 24, 2008. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 27th from 2-6 p.m. at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Services will be on Monday, July 28th at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Moline Memorial Park. Military honors will be conducted by Moline American Legion Post #246. Memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established.
Richard J. Johnson was born January 15, 1922 to Jacob and Saline Johnson. He married Gail Nelsen on November 14, 1947 in Moline. Among his greatest joys was spending time with his two children and three grandchildren.
Rich attended Moline High School, graduating in 1941. He was an active member of the music department, playing clarinet and saxophone. Immediately following high school, he was drafted into the Army as a rifleman of the 33rd Infantry during World War II. As a member of the Armed Services, he was stationed in parts of the South Pacific, including the Philippines and New Guinea. Rich was aboard the first ship that landed on the mainland in Japan following the bombing of Hiroshima. During his time in the Army, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Rich finished his tour of duty in 1945.
Rich undertook a whole new career as a writer and photographer after his 33 years at American Air Filter. As the co-author of 6 books, as well as the editor of both the Catfish Jazz Society newsletter and the Company A-33rd Infantry newsletter, Rich nurtured his love of writing through many outlets. Rich also enjoyed teaching and his penchant for encouraging the young shone bright as he taught photography at the Mississippi Valley Writers Conference for 25 years.
Rich began his tenure at the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Society as a volunteer ticket taker for the annual festival, soon moving up to festival photographer. It wasn't long before Rich was asked to join the board of directors, and from there it was a short jump to his long standing role as musical director. It was through this role that his passion of the music and life of Bix that would lead to many long days in the Davenport library, researching the Beiderbecke family legacy. He would become one of the most sought after historians of Davenport's favorite son.
In addition to his wife Gail, Rich is survived by two children; Jeffre (Linda), Thousand Oaks, CA; Jackie (Gary) Bright, Sterling, IL; three grandchildren: Cori Bright and Christopher Bright, Fort Myers, FL; Sean Bright, Ames, IA; and one great-grandchild, Jackson Alexander Bright, Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roland, and sister Marion.
Richard J. Johnson was born January 15, 1922 to Jacob and Saline Johnson. He married Gail Nelsen on November 14, 1947 in Moline. Among his greatest joys was spending time with his two children and three grandchildren.
Rich attended Moline High School, graduating in 1941. He was an active member of the music department, playing clarinet and saxophone. Immediately following high school, he was drafted into the Army as a rifleman of the 33rd Infantry during World War II. As a member of the Armed Services, he was stationed in parts of the South Pacific, including the Philippines and New Guinea. Rich was aboard the first ship that landed on the mainland in Japan following the bombing of Hiroshima. During his time in the Army, he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Rich finished his tour of duty in 1945.
Rich undertook a whole new career as a writer and photographer after his 33 years at American Air Filter. As the co-author of 6 books, as well as the editor of both the Catfish Jazz Society newsletter and the Company A-33rd Infantry newsletter, Rich nurtured his love of writing through many outlets. Rich also enjoyed teaching and his penchant for encouraging the young shone bright as he taught photography at the Mississippi Valley Writers Conference for 25 years.
Rich began his tenure at the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Society as a volunteer ticket taker for the annual festival, soon moving up to festival photographer. It wasn't long before Rich was asked to join the board of directors, and from there it was a short jump to his long standing role as musical director. It was through this role that his passion of the music and life of Bix that would lead to many long days in the Davenport library, researching the Beiderbecke family legacy. He would become one of the most sought after historians of Davenport's favorite son.
In addition to his wife Gail, Rich is survived by two children; Jeffre (Linda), Thousand Oaks, CA; Jackie (Gary) Bright, Sterling, IL; three grandchildren: Cori Bright and Christopher Bright, Fort Myers, FL; Sean Bright, Ames, IA; and one great-grandchild, Jackson Alexander Bright, Fort Myers, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roland, and sister Marion.
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