Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson, 85, a longtime Casa Grande building contractor, died peacefully on May 5, 2008.


Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Grace Baptist Church.

Mr. Johnson was born Jan. 30, 1923 in Ada, Okla., to Roy and Stella Johnson. He grew up there and left home after a year of college to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II as an aircraft mechanic crew chief. Following his honorable discharge he married Betty, also of Ada. The couple made Casa Grande their home and raised three children.

He was a building contractor in the area from 1947 until his retirement and worked to develop the McNatt Manor and Palm Parke subdivisions. He played a major role in the city's economic development by working with others to design and promote Valley Industrial Park. He was a co-founder of O'Odham Tash Indian Days, served as president of the Greater Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce and assisted in the development of the Mul-Chu-Tha tribal fair in Sacaton. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and loved hosting parties at his home. He was a member of Elks and the American Legion.

Survivors include his best friend and companion, Katie Finn; a daughter, Donna Villa; two sons, Ron and Randy Johnson, all of Casa Grande; a sister, Marjorie May of California; six grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years.