Jerry “J.C.” Johnson, 72, of Salisbury, died at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, Monday, March 28, 2011.

He was born in Iredell County on July 21, 1938, to Claude Cliftan Johnson and Elsie Lamberth Johnson. A graduate of Union High School in Iredell County, Class of 1956, he served honorably in the U.S. NavySubmarine Service from 1956 to 1960. He had worked for the North Carolina Highway Patrol from l961 until 1963.

He later retired from the Norfolk & Southern Railroad in l998, after 31 years, working as a flagman and brakeman. His favorite pastimes included his love for gardening, cooking and his time outdoors. He very much cherished spending time with family, his daily breakfast with friends and sharing his own grown fruits and vegetables with everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie Johnson Rash and Claude Johnson, as well as his brother, Lloyd Redmond Johnson.

He is survived by his five children, Jerry Claude Johnson, Jr. of Asheville, Susan Johnson Johnson of China Grove, Michael Scott Johnson of China Grove, Candice Day Johnson of Washington D.C., and Christopher Thomas Johnson of Charlotte; grandchildren Jordan Melissa Phillips, James “Jay” Michael Phillips, Jr. and Alexander Todd Johnson, all of China Grove; sisters Elaine Johnson Robbins and Kay Johnson Trivette, both of Union Grove; and brother Jackie “Jack” Lee Johnson of Troutman.

Visitation: A visitation for family and friends will be held at Mr. Johnson’s home Wednesday, March 30 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Carolina Cremation (formerly Evergreen Cremation Services) of Salisbury, NC is assisting the Johnson family. Online condolences may be made at www.mycarolinacremation.com.