John Roger Johnson, a 73-year-old male, was tragically killed on September 16, 2013, during the mass shooting at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. He was the oldest of the twelve victims who lost their lives in the attack. Johnson was working as a logistics analyst for a civilian contractor at the naval facility at the time of his death.
A resident of Derwood, Maryland, Johnson was remembered as a kind and cheerful man, well-known for his warm greetings and powerful bear hugs.
He was a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in mathematics and had formerly worked for Boeing. A dedicated family man, he is survived by his wife, four daughters, ten grandchildren, and four stepchildren. His daughter fondly recalled him as an 'honestly great guy.' Friends and family noted his love for the Washington Redskins.
The gunman responsible for the shooting was identified as Aaron Alexis, a 34-year-old federal contractor. Reports that emerged after the incident indicated that Alexis had a history of mental health issues. Alexis was killed by law enforcement officers at the scene of the shooting, and as a result, no arrests were made in connection with the deaths of John Roger Johnson and the other eleven victims.
