Johnny H Jay Johnson
In Loving Memory
We are sad to announce the loss of our brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather on June 9, 2025. Johnny “H” (Jay) Johnson was born on December 14, 1941, to Leo Hillstead Johnson and Afton Johannah Hansen. They couldn’t decide whether the “H” would be Hillstead or Hansen, so it remained “H”. In keeping with that theme, Johnny decided to go by Jay to avoid confusion with another John Johnson and was known by that for most of his adult life. Jay told loving stories about growing up in Southeastern Idaho with his five siblings. He was especially proud of the summers he was banished by himself herding sheep for months at a time. Jay served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California as a young man. He spent a significant amount of time on the Horn farm in Turlock. It became apparent why 14 months after he finished his mission. He drove back down to California and proposed to LaVern Ann Horn on their first date. They were married June 5, 1964, in the Logan Utah Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The couple were separated shortly after their marriage when Jay was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He served his country proudly as a Sergeant in the Army’s 1st Division from December 1965 to September 1967. LaVern got to meet him once during his service in Hawaii. He joked about how he walked right past her, and she didn’t recognize him.
After his service, Jay and LaVern were blessed with four kids; John Micarl (Mickey), Elizabeth Ann (Nathan Crowell), Jeremy, and Joseph Bryce (LeiAnn). The family spent time in Utah, Idaho, and California before settling in Moses Lake, Washington. Jay worked in the agriculture business and was a natural salesman with his irresistible charisma. He also had jobs in real estate and as a school bus driver.
One of Jay’s greatest loves was his time as a 4-H leader raising sheep. Many of his friends remember the countless hours he dedicated to this endeavor. Spending time teaching the kids was especially rewarding. He also loved his garden and always grew way more than they could possibly eat. This way he could share the bounty with his friends and neighbors. Some of our most cherished memories are dinners at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. There was always delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere. Jay never met a practical joke he didn’t enjoy. He loved to laugh! Especially at the expense of unsuspecting victims.
There is a big difference between a shepherd and a sheepherder. The shepherd knows his sheep. Sheep love and will follow their shepherd. Each of Jay’s family members flocked to his bedside (some from great distances) when he suffered a stroke on June 3, 2025. At the end of his life, Jay’s biggest concern was to make sure his family knew of his love for them and that they’d be cared for.
Jay will be interred at Medical Lake Veterans’ Cemetery with full military honors following the service for anyone who wishes to attend on July 11, 2025, at 9:45 am. He will be memorialized on July 12. The service will be held at 351 E. Yonezawa in Moses Lake at 11:00 am. Jay was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his great-grandson. He is survived by his sister, two brothers, his wife and children, 16 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with two more on the way.