Ian J. Johnson, 87, of Sanderling Way, Middletown, RI, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Newport Hospital.
He was the husband of 63 years to Carolyn (Hall) Johnson.
Born in the Panama Canal Zone on February 3, 1927, he was the son of the late John E. and Mable (Jarvis) Johnson.
Captain Johnson was drafted into the US Army towards the end of WWII in 1945. He then went into the ROTC program at Cornell University earning a Bachelor degree in Political Science in 1950. He later went on to receive a Master’s Degree in International Relations from George Washington University. Later he was commissioned as an Ensign in the US Navy receiving flight training in Pensacola, FL becoming a Naval Aviator. He served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his military career, he served as Commanding Officer of VP21Air Squadron, Brunswick, Maine; the USS Tallahatchie County in Naples Italy, and the USS Santa Barbara, Quonset Point, RI. He retired as a Captain after 26 years of dedicated service.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children, Duncan Eric Johnson of Annapolis, MD; Paula L. Candler and her husband Bob of Reno, NV; Karen L. Staton and her husband Jay of Sanford, FL; Douglas Ian Johnson of Burlington, VT; David B. Johnson of Middletown, RI; and Sandra C. Weldon and her husband Timothy of Columbus, OH; fifteen grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Donald Johnson.
Calling hours are omitted.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 11 am in the United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, RI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society, 7928 14th St, Naval Base Fleet and Family Support Center Bldg. SDA-344, Suite 238, Norfolk, VA 23505.
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