Jon Johnson - Founder of Assist One Foundation
Jon Johnson was born on February 28th, 1960 in the little town of Crumrod Arkansas. He was one of eight children born to James Johnson and Mattie Winters. Jon was raised in a religious environment and embraced Christ at an early age.
Jon attended Elaine Elementary School in Elaine Arkansas. He also attended Elaine High School. He relocated to Oakland, CA with his family in 1976 and continued his education at McClymonds High School. Jon always excelled in athletics and it became a major part of his life throughout his youth. He was especially known for his football ability. Jon then went on to attend several colleges including San Jose State, and Lassen College, before settling at Chico State where he received a bachelors degree in radio-TV-Film. Along the way Jon met and married Jana Phearson and from this union two children were born, Tanneria and John Jr.
After the completion of his degree, Jon moved to Sacramento where he began to pursue his passion for photography. Jon worked at many news stations in the Sacramento area including KCRA 3, Fox 40, KTVU, UPN 31 and Univision 19, as well as numerous other Northern California TV stations.
In 1996 Karen and Jon crossed paths, it wasn’t quite love at first sight but later developed into a loving relationship. They were married on September 3, 2000 and merged their lives together which included their three children: Tanneria Johnson, Johnny Johnson and Tristan Gardner. Jon was a very devoted father and husband and enjoyed spending time with his family. Being the avid sports fanatic Jon loved attending the children’s sporting events such as; their football games, basketball games and track meets. As a couple, Karen and Jon enjoyed their date nights, family functions and attending their local church.
Because of Jon’s love for children, in 2004, Jon founded the Assist One Foundation in collaboration with Karen in creating a public charity non-profit organization that has taken the lead in speaking for the children. These are children who are in foster care and ones who are quietly asking for someone to adopt them. Assist One believes there are no unwanted children just unfounded families.
His enjoyments included playing slow pitch softball media league, tennis and golf.
John is survived by wife Karen Johnson. Children: Tanneria, Tristan, and Johnny Jr., Chere Phillips, Mattie Rideout (Mother), Lula Johnson (sister), Flo Johnson(Sister), Golena Johnson, Sam Johnson (brother), Dennis Johnson, Ricky Rideout (brother) and a host of nephews and nieces. Jon was preceded in death by James Johnson (Father), Willie Johnson, (brother), Ruby Lee Gamble (Sister), Zephania Johnson, (brother), Mckinley Johnson, (brother), Rose Johnson, Catherine Johnson.
In addition, Venetta Gardner (mother in law), Pat, Cherryl and Kathie Gardner (sister –in-laws) and one brother-in -law Ron Gardner and a host of other nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, a host of relatives and friends on both sides.