An obituary at his funeral in 2006 spoke of his abilities as a preacher, a man who visited his flock, and, as a former farmer, one who could gather support from the farming community. This impression of his ministry and person still survived in the parish years later among those who knew him. He had a love for people, a keen sense of humour and an infallible memory. He loved story-telling, especially in Cumbrian dialect.
The Revd J. C. Johnson with a group of Scout leaders at the Youth Centre
In an article in the special centenary edition of the parish magazine celebrating 100 years as a parish (it had been a Chapelry of Crosthwaite, Keswick previously), in 1963 (July), he described his time at St John’s:
'In 1950, the vicar of St John’s, Mr Haworth retired, and I was offered the Living and the Chaplaincy of the Youth Centre. Needless to say, I jumped at the offer! The old school at St John’s had been acquired, and the work of adapting began and continued during 1951 with the building of a new annexe to house boys. In this way it was possible to accommodate up to 28 people. By 1952, the Centre was fully equipped, and in May of that year, it was dedicated and opened amidst thunder and lightning. As Chaplain, I travelled miles speaking to Youth Clubs, Rotary Clubs, Mothers’ Unions, Ruri-Decanal Chapters and to anyone who would listen, “selling” the Centre – an easy task since it “sold” itself..........Almost sixteen years have gone since I left the parish and Centre. It is still to me the most beautiful spot in the world; its people, the kindest. I am unashamed to admit that my heart still aches when I think of those past years at St John’s-in-the-Vale, and yes, sometimes my eyes are moist.’Mr
Johnson achieved much at St John’s and clearly loved the parish. It
is difficult to know why he left, and his children are to this day
unsure quite why he did so, since he had been well liked
and had made a great success of his joint work 
as vicar and chaplain.
Soon after he left St John’s, he was saddened by the death of his wife Margaret in 1961. It was a comfort to him that he met and married Mary Bateman in 1962.
A family group outside the church includes his wife and three children, c. 1956.
His move to Calderbridge was to prove to be his “life’s work” however, for here he immersed himself in the life of this rural community and finally, after 21 years as vicar, in retirement he continued to live there. He now began to take more and more interest in the needs of the elderly. He was instrumental in obtaining the former village school and overseeing its conversion into four flats for elderly people of the parish. This was followed by his pioneering work with the Abbeyfield Homes in Whitehaven, firstly in a terraced house for four opposite the church at Hensingham, and then in the appropriately named Johnson House in Hillcrest Avenue.
He became an expert on the history of the ruined Calder Abbey which was in Calderbridge parish. He remained active in Calderbridge parish after his retirement taking weddings, baptisms and funerals at the request of families, and assisting the incumbent by taking services when asked.
He died at the grand age of 96 on April 5th 2006, and his funeral was held in St Bridget’s Church, Calderbridge. Over 300 people attended the service, and his burial was at the old St Bridget’s church near Beckermet.
(Compiled with the help of Anne Johnson Valle, Susan Fox and John Johnson to whom we express our thanks for photographs and other information)
Geoffrey Darrall