Jason Johnson

Jason Perry Johnson, 52, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away Thursday, May 2, 2013, in Orlando Fla.He was born June 26, 1960 to his parents, Jimmie and Bettye Johnson. He was an active member of Wiley United Methodist Church (Bethlehem Wiley UMC) throughout his childhood. Jason graduated from Brainerd High School, class of 1978, and earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science at Columbia College in 2003.Jason enlisted in the United States Navy in 1978, retiring in 2001 as Chief Petty Officer after 23 years of service. He served as manpower coordinator for U.S. Naval Forces in the Middle East and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the end of his naval career.Jason held various civilian positions after retirement, including community organizer for the Central Florida Urban League in Orlando, and public information officer for the Orlando Police Department. He was employed by the Orange County Government as neighborhood services coordinator until the time of his passing.He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Maria Mendoza-Johnson, Orlando; and two sons, Joshua Johnson, West Palm Beach, Fla., and Jared Johnson (Orlando); parents, Jimmie and Bettye Johnson, of Chattanooga; sister, Jennifer (Bobby) Morrow, Atlanta; aunts, Bennie Davis, Chattanooga, Barbara (Leonard) Johnson, Little Rock, Ark., Callie (Clarence) Smith, Sacramento, Calif.; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Chattanooga National Cemetery.The body will lie in state after noon today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.