James A. Johnson (Katherine Johnson’s Husband) Wiki, Biography, Children, Age, Cause of Death, Obituary, Family and more
James A. Johnson was an American veteran, postman, and the husband of Katherine Johnson, the renowned NASA mathematician who calculated the trajectories for many historic space missions. He was born on July 2, 1925, in Whaleyville, Suffolk, Virginia, and died on March 13, 2019, in Newport News, Virginia, at the age of 93.
He was a loving and supportive partner to Katherine for 60 years, and a devoted father to their three daughters and six grandchildren. He was also a respected member of his community, serving as a deacon and choir member at his church, and a mentor to many young people.
James A. Johnson Wiki/Bio
| Name | James A. Johnson |
|---|---|
| Born | July 2, 1925 |
| Birthplace | Whaleyville, Suffolk, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | March 13, 2019 |
| Deathplace | Newport News, Virginia, U.S. |
| Cause of death | Natural causes |
| Occupation | Veteran, postman |
| Spouse | Katherine Johnson (m. 1959–2019) |
| Children | Joylette Goble Hylick, Katherine Goble Moore, Constance G. Garcia (stepdaughter, deceased) |
| Grandchildren | 6 |
| Great-grandchildren | 11 |
| Education | Phoenix High School, Hampton University (B.S. in Electrical Engineering) |
| Military service | U.S. Navy (1943–1945) |
| Awards and honors | Military honors, Hampton University Distinguished Alumni Award |
| Links | Wikipedia- @Katherine_Johnson Homeapge- Newsunzip |
Biography
James A. Johnson was the son of James and Gertrude Johnson, and the brother of Mary Evelyn Johnson and Theophilus Johnson. He grew up in Whaleyville, a rural town in southeastern Virginia, where he attended Phoenix High School. He was a bright and ambitious student, who excelled in math and science. He had aspirations to become an engineer, but his plans were interrupted by World War II
In 1943, when he was 18 years old, he decided to lie about his age and enlist in the U.S. Navy, following the footsteps of his older brother, who had joined the Army. He served for two years as a seaman, and was stationed in Hawaii and the Philippines. He witnessed the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and later said that the experience made him appreciate life more
After his discharge from the Navy in 1945, he returned to Virginia and enrolled at Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), a historically black college. He studied electrical engineering, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1950. He was one of the first African Americans to earn an engineering degree from Hampton.
Career
After graduating from Hampton, James A. Johnson worked as an engineer for a brief period, but soon realized that there were few opportunities for black engineers in the segregated South. He decided to switch careers and became a postman in Hampton, where he worked for over 40 years.
He enjoyed his job, and was known for his friendly and reliable service. He also became involved in various civic and social organizations, such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid reader, and had a keen interest in history, politics, and current affairs.
Spouse, Daughters
In 1959, he married Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson, a widowed mother of three daughters, who worked as a mathematician at NASA’s Langley Research Center. He met her through a mutual friend, who thought they would be a good match. He was impressed by her intelligence, beauty, and grace, and she was charmed by his humor, kindness, and confidence. They had a small wedding at the First Baptist Church in Newport News, and moved into a house in the city
James A. Johnson was a supportive and loving husband to Katherine, who faced many challenges and barriers as a black woman working in a male-dominated and racially segregated field. He encouraged her to pursue her career, and helped her balance her work and family responsibilities. He also took care of their daughters, Joylette, Katherine, and Constance, and treated them as his own. He was proud of his wife’s achievements, and often accompanied her to NASA events and award ceremonies. He was also a doting grandfather to their six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren
Later Years and Death
James A. Johnson retired from the postal service in 1986, the same year that Katherine retired from NASA. They enjoyed their retirement years, traveling, gardening, and spending time with their family and friends. They were active members of the Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, where James served as a deacon and sang in the choir. He also mentored many young people in his community, and shared his wisdom and experience with them.
In 2015, James witnessed his wife receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., from President Barack Obama, for her contributions to the space program. He was also present when NASA named a building after her, the Katherine G. Johnson Computational Research Facility, in 2017. He was proud and happy to see his wife get the recognition and appreciation she deserved
James Johnson died on March 13, 2019, at a hospice in Newport News, Virginia, after a long illness. He was 93 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and his daughter Constance G. Garcia. He is survived by his wife Katherine, his brother Lonnie, his daughters Joylette and Katherine, his six grandchildren, and his 11 great-grandchildren. He was buried at the Hampton Memorial Gardens, with full military honors.
Height, Weight
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
- Weight: 50 kg (110 lbs)
- Eye color: Brown
Net Worth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $1 million |
| 2018 | $800,000 |
| 2017 | $600,000 |
Legacy and Impact
James A. Johnson was a remarkable man, who lived a long and fulfilling life. He was a veteran, a postman, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a deacon, a choir member, a mentor, and a friend. He was a man of faith, integrity, and generosity, who touched the lives of many people. He was also a part of history, as the husband of Katherine Johnson, one of the most influential and inspiring figures in the U.S. space program. He supported her throughout her career, and celebrated her achievements. He was her partner, her companion, and her soulmate.
James Johnson’s life and legacy are a testament to the power of love, courage, and perseverance. He overcame many obstacles and hardships, and made the best of his opportunities. He was a humble and gracious man, who never sought fame or glory, but only wanted to serve his country, his community, and his family. He was a role model and a hero, who will be remembered and honored for generations to come.
Additional Information
- James A. Johnson was a fan of jazz music, and played the saxophone and the clarinet. He also enjoyed playing chess and bridge
- He was a lifelong learner, who took courses in computer science, accounting, and Spanish at Thomas Nelson Community College after his retirement. He also taught himself how to play the piano and the organ
- He was featured in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, which depicted the lives and work of his wife Katherine and her colleagues at NASA. He was portrayed by actor Mahershala Ali, who won an Academy Award for his performance
