Grant Jones Johnson

Grant Jones Johnson of Napa joined Marjorie, his wife of 68 years and eternal companion, on October 28, 2016. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was 95. Grant was born May 28, 1921 in North Ogden, Utah to John Henry and Marian Johnson. He was the fourth child of nine. He grew up in North Ogden and graduated from Webber High School. He was captain of the track team setting records in running sprint races. Track season and baseball season were at the same time. He wanted to play baseball. He began to play for the Ogden Reds which was the minor-league team for the Cincinnati Reds. Shortly after that he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. In the weeks that followed he received a second draft notice. This time it was a call to serve his country. On January 2, 1942 he put his future baseball career on hold, and joined the United States Marine Corps. Immediately after basic training he shipped out and joined up with other forces in the Pacific Islands where he fought in three of the most horrific battles ever fought in World War II Guadalcanal, Tarawa, and Saipan. He was wounded in battle and received the Purple Heart. Unfortunately the injury to his knees ended any hopes of a future professional baseball career. Four years later, Grant received an honorable discharge from the Second Marine Corps Division. While on leave, Grant met the love of his life Marjorie, and married July 29, 1945 at St Peters Chapel, Mare Island. They were married 68 years and had 2 children William Grant Johnson and Marcia Ann Lopez. After being discharged from the service Grant went to work for Pacific Bell telephone company. He retired as a district engineer thirty five years later. Grant's love of baseball and the Marine Corps, continued the rest of his life. He coached little league baseball for many years, and his daughter Marcia was his Bat Girl for the team. He was very active in his community, and served on the Board of Directors for North Bay Regional Services in Napa. After retiring from the telephone company he once again served in the Marine Corps as acting President for the Second Marine Association. During this time he and Marjorie traveled all over the world, returning to some of the places he had once served. Grant was an active member of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many positions of leadership. He often said his favorite calling in the church was when he and his wife served as greeters and organizers each Sunday, at the Veterans home in Yountville, California. He is preceded in death, by his parents, 3 sisters, 3 brothers, and a granddaughter. He is survived by two sisters, daughter Marcia, son William and his wife, seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff of Stayman Estates and the medical and nursing staff of Collabria Care Hospice, for the love and support Grant received while in their care. Dad, your life was like a grand slam hit out of the park. You will be missed by all those who knew you. Until we meet again, thanks for loving us the way you did.

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Grant Jones Johnson

May 28, 1921 - October 28, 2016