Jerome Richard 'Jerry' Johnson, 89

Jerome Richard "Jerry" Johnson passed away on March 2, 2018. He was born the second child of Ingwald and Sylvia McNany Johnson in Hammond, Indiana, on June 4, 1928. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ingwald Jr. and baby sister Ethel "Sissy" Johnson.

He was a devoted son to his mother. They enjoyed a close relationship. Travel was their leisure passion and took many trips together, including several cruises. He was a world traveler and loved adventure.

Dr. Johnson was a great scholar, holding a degree from A&M University in Mechanical Engineering; a master of science degree from Perdue University, and doctorate from the University of Delaware.

He honorably served his country in the Army during World War II. He retired from Civil Service at Aberdeen Proving Ground, working in the US Army's Ballistic Research Laboratory (BRL). Jerry was involved in the development of ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. It was among the earliest electronic general-purpose computers made. It was able to solve "a large class of numerical problems" through reprogramming. ENIAC was designed and primarily used to calculate artillery firing tables.

Dr. Johnson's greatest commitment was to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was raised in the Christian Church and remained a faithful member all his life. His faith drove his desire for excellence in behavior wisdom for salvation. He was a member of First Christian Church in Havre de Grace, serving as treasurer, deacon and elder. He was also a member of the choir. He was a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Evangelism Committee and photographer.

The Bible molded his character and fed his need for learning. He spent time in Israel doing research for his life work.

In 2012 he suffered a debilitating fall, breaking his neck and back. He pushed through to healing due to his commitment to the information he had uncovered in the Bible. You see, he had a great desire that all should come to know Jesus as he did, Savior and Redeemer! To that end he pressed forward to finish his three books, which in the past few months he saw through to completion.

They are now published works and ready for distribution.
1. At the Right Time - Dating the Events of the New Testament
2. Countdown to Eternity - God's Plan for Salvation
3. Time of the End Prophecies

His going-home service will be celebrated at First Christian Church on Wednesday, March 7, at 11 a.m. with a viewing preceding at 10 a.m. He will be buried beside his mother in Angel Hill Cemetery in Havre de Grace.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to First Christian Church at 800 Giles St. Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

Obituary and service information from Zellman Funeral Home. Image via Shutterstock.