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Updated Last On: 2/13/06

March 26, 1916 - May 8, 1983 Born in Fernwood, Mississippi, a son of Arthur and Gladys (Tillman) Johnson, "Snapper," as he was most often called by family and friends, moved to Champaign in 1922. He attended Champaign schools and was a member of the Champaign Senior High School Letterman's "C" Club. After serving in the Navy during WWII, he attended the University of Illinois where he majored in Recreation and Physical Education. Before becoming a Letter Carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, "Snapper" worked for many years as a laborer and helped with the building of several major construction projects in the Champaign-Urbana area, including the U of I Assembly Hall. Over the years, he was involved in the community in many ways. "Snapper" enjoyed baseball as recreation as well as a way of life. He was involved throughout east central Illinois as a baseball player for numerous teams. After his playing days ended, he continued to stay involved in baseball and basketball as an umpire and referee. He also participated in the organization of a boxing club in Champaign and the surrounding area.

He was especially interested in youth sports and recreation. During the 1950s, he served as Assistant Director of the Frederick Douglass Recreation Center and taught Physical Education in the Champaign public schools. He was a past Commander of the American Legion Post #559 and served as Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop #11, one of the first all-Black troops in Champaign. He served as a Little League Coach and official for over 30 years from the 50s to the 80s. His sons and grandsons often recall that he was the "toughest coach they ever played for." During his coaching and officiating days, even when players and parents did not agree with him, they frequently commented on their respect for him because of his fairness and his ability to keep "control" of the game. He was married to Helen Elizabeth Scaggs for 39 years until her death in 1976. Together they raised six children: two sons, John Jr. (Bud) of Yuma, AZ; Kenneth of Atlanta, GA, and four daughters, Carol Lynn Nunn, Catherine Hogue and Ella (Sissy) Knox Coleman of Champaign, and Rosalind Lewis of Urbana. "Snapper's" love for people and his unselfish giving to the community has influenced the lives of his children in many ways. His love for sports has extended over to both of his sons and has helped to shape and influence their careers.

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