Jhon Victor Johnson

Jhon Victor Johnson, affectionately known as "Big Jhon" and "Pe-Paw," passed away on May 24, 2026. Born on October 20, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jhon lived a life marked by entrepreneurial spirit, humor, and a deep love for those close to him.

Jhon's early life in Atlanta set the foundation for a career characterized by determination and self-reliance. After graduating from Cedar Grove High School, he began his working life alongside his father at Johnson's Grocery Store. This formative experience inspired him to become a lifelong entrepreneur. Throughout his career, Jhon managed various business ventures from his commercial property, seizing opportunities to be his own boss and to craft the lifestyle he desired. Among his enterprises were owning and operating a wrecker service and buying cars at auction to resell to the public. In the later years of his professional life, he focused on seasonal business, stocking and selling Christmas trees and firewood.

Jhon was larger than life—not just in stature but in personality. Described fondly by those closest to him as a friendly man with a relentless sense of humor, he was always ready with a joke, believing firmly that laughter could brighten any situation. Beneath his tough exterior dwelled a deeply emotional and caring individual, someone who harbored a big heart and a soft nature. Fishing was among his favorite pastimes, especially excursions to the serene lakes across Georgia where he cherished the connection to nature and the camaraderie shared with friends and family. Beyond fishing, he held interests in boating, and enjoyed playing phone games like blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as reading joke books to fuel his endless supply of humor.

Jhon was a man who consistently sought to extend kindness and assistance to those around him. He often employed individuals who found themselves in difficult circumstances, striving to offer not just a job, but hope and support. His generosity and empathy were hallmarks of his character.

Jhon leaves behind a family who carry forward his legacy. He is survived by his partner Lisa Johnson; his sister, Lena Elizabeth Johnson (Beth); his brother, Eugene Edwin Johnson; his son, Nick Johnson; his daughter-in-law Samantha Johnson and his grandchildren, Camden James Johnson and Sanders Joseph Johnson. They, along with many friends and acquaintances who knew Jhon’s wit and warmth, will remember him dearly.

Jhon’s parents, Mary Elizabeth Johnson (Me-Maw) and Eugene E. Johnson (Buddy/Pe-Paw), as well as his sister Sarah Lynn Johnson, preceded him in death.

A graveside service to honor Jhon’s memory will be held on June 2, 2026, at Hillandale Memorial Gardens, located at 6201 Hillandale Drive in Lithonia, Georgia. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. 

In remembering Jhon Victor Johnson, we honor a man whose humor, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit touched many lives. He lived with a joyful heart and a willingness to support others, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and kindness that will resonate with those who knew him. May he rest in peace.