Jay Arthur Johnson was born at the Brush, Colorado family farm June 29,1935, and he died on January 31, 2026, from dementia complications. Jay’s early life was filled with both sadness and joy. Having suffered a car accident at age five and the death of his father, William Johnson, at age seven. 

Jay learned to find joy at his new home in the Poudre Canyon of Colorado. Fishing, hiking, rock hounding and the Canyon’s mysteries enthralled him all of his life. Jay attended Cache La Poudre Elementary School and graduated from Ft. Collins High School. Jay then worked at Ted’s Place, formerly located at the mouth of the Poudre Canyon, where a Navy recruiter quickly enlisted him. Jay eventually earned his Navy Commission, a B.S. in General studies from George Washington University, and served as Medical Service Corps Officer. While stationed in the Philippines, Jay received special orders to the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea, to assist the 161 survivors and 134 deceased from the USS Forrestal fire in 1967. An unintended rocket launch and a subsequent deck fuel spill ignited a chain reaction of explosions. Jay served in many capacities over his twenty years, one month, three days, two hours and fifteen minutes of loyal Navy service. Jay ended his military career as a Lt. Commander with a specialty in Hospital Administration. The above picture depicts his happy retirement day.

In retirement, Jay returned to his beloved Poudre Canyon. He earned an M.A. in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado in 1979. As a recovering alcoholic, Jay spent the rest of his working years as an addiction specialist in private practice, substance abuse treatment centers and the State of Colorado. Jay married Connie R. (Miller) Johnson, Psy.D. In 1976 and happily, Jay was able to remember their dog, Squeaky and Connie, throughout his long dementia illness. Jay is also survived by his son Dain Johnson, a daughter Danita Nixon, and multiple grandchildren. Jay’s mother was Ethel (Ayers) Johnson, and his older brother was Gerald Johnson of New Mexico.

There will be no services. Donations may be made to:

Navy-Marine Relief Society PO Box 96172 Washington DC.

20090-6172  

https://www.nmcrs.org/

Forgive me Lord when I don’t kneel down to pray

My body’s old and tired and trembling with age

But if it’s alright, I’ll just raise my hands up high and touch you through these Colorado skies

Jay A. Johnson

2018