Jerome Johnson

Jerome "Jerry" Paul Johnson, 67, of Portage, MI, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at home on Sunday, September 27, 2020. Born on May 18, 1953, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Harry and Helen (Stender) Johnson, Jerry was the sixth out of ten children. Jerry attended Hackett High School and loved playing football, baseball, and wrestling. He graduated from Western Michigan University with an engineering degree and faithfully worked at UpJohn/Pharmacia/Pfizer for 39 years. Faith in God and family were always a top priority for Jerry. A natural teacher, he enjoyed leading Bible studies, prayer groups, and generously serving others. Hands down The World's Best Father, Jerry coached many of the kids' sports teams, often with four little league games in one day! Jerry also loved being in God's creation outdoors hunting, golfing, and hiking. He went on many memorable trips out west and up north with family and friends. His wife, Sherri, his children, and eight grandchildren were the light of his life. Together, Jerry and Sherri proudly attended as many soccer, gymnastics, and baseball games as possible. Though ALS took him from his family too soon, Jerry is healthy and whole in heaven. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Matthew Paul Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl "Sherri" Lynn Johnson (Klok), three daughters, their spouses, and eight grandchildren: Holli (Ben) Karrer, Tanya (Gerard) Wescott, and Susan (Steven) Weldon. He is also survived by seven sisters, two brothers, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service at Kalamazoo First Assembly of God on Friday, October 2, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at KFirst before the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will take place at 12:30 p.m. at Mount Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. An open house luncheon will be held from 1-3:00 p.m. at Kalamazoo First (KFirst) Assembly of God's Connection Cafe. Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Jerry to the KFirst missions fund, the Michigan Chapter of The ALS Association, or the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Please visit Jerry's online guest book to leave a condolence or personal message at https://www.langelands.com