Captain Gerald M. "Jerry" Johnson, USN (Ret) died on October 5, 2016 in Pensacola, FL. He was born on 30 October 1921 in Ely, NV. He attended local schools and the University of Nevada prior to receiving a congressional appointment to the US Naval Academy in June 1941. He participated in athletics all through school and played football, baseball and lacrosse at the Naval Academy.

He graduated as a member of the 10th company in June 1944 (Class of 1945). Following graduation, he was assigned to the USS Langley (CVL-27) seeing combat in the Pacific Theater of World War II, receiving 5 Battle stars.  After the war, he attended flight training in Pensacola, receiving his wings in 1947and was married to Lillian McVoy of Pensacola, FL in July 1947. Upon completing advanced flight training, Jerry completed tours in VF-42 and VF-43 flying F4U Corsairs. Next he was transferred to the Basic Training Command, serving as a Flight Instructor. After attending Photo School, he was assigned to VC-61 flying a variety of  jet photo aircraft. He was deployed in the Photo Detachment aboard USS Essex during the Korean War and later deployed aboard USS Boxer as OIC of the Photo Detachment. Following a transfer to Test Pilot School in Patuxent, Md., Jerry served as a Test Pilot flying all the current Naval Jet Aircraft. Jerry then attended the Naval War College Command and Staff course.

His next tour was XO of VF-11, followed by a tour as CO of VF-84 flying F8U Crusaders. Jerry was then assigned to Commander Fleet Air Norfolk as Training Officer, followed by a tour as Operations Officer aboard USS Forrestal (CVA-59). He then attended the Naval War College Senior Command course, followed by tours in the Naval Air Systems Command, Department of Defense and the Chief of Naval Operations. During his tours in Washington, D.C., he earned a Master's Degree in Technology of Management from American University.

Jerry retired after 30 years of service in July 1974. After retirement and 31 moves, He and Lil returned to Pensacola and built a home on the Scenic Hills Country Club golf course where he enjoyed many hours on the golf course, as well as doing volunteer work and traveling with Lil.

He is survived by his son, Robert (USNA '73); one granddaughter, Nicole and one grandson, Nik.

He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Lillian; his son, Walter and one grandson, Garrett.

Visitation will be held from 12:00noon to 1:30pm Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with a funeral cortege departing at 1:30pm for Graveside services beginning at 2:00pm at Barrancas National Cemetery. Chaplain Ken Griffin will officiate with full Navy military honors.