José Johnson Jr., 89, passed away on September 7, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of family, faith, education, service, and love.

José was born on July 3, 1937, in Premont, Texas, to José M. Johnson and Maria Ramon Johnson. From his South Texas beginnings, his life would take him into science, the space program, education, public service, and community outreach, but throughout it all, his greatest devotion remained to his family and to serving others.

José earned a degree in chemistry and physics from Texas A&I University and continued his education at Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in computer science. His early career led him into remarkable work. In 1964, he worked for the military at White Sands, assisting with surface-to-air and anti-tank missile projects. He later joined the Air Force at a base in California and worked on a project connected with the Man Orbiting Laboratory. When NASA assumed the project, José went to work at the San Antonio Data Services Center as an analyst, providing computer services for the military.

On December 29, 1963, José married the love of his life, Linda H. Johnson. Together they built a marriage that would span more than 51 years and a life centered on family, faith, their careers, travel, and service to others.

In 1978, José began a new chapter when he entered the field of education. He started as a classroom teacher before becoming a principal in Ben Bolt and later an elementary principal in Premont. In 1983, he became superintendent of Premont ISD, serving in that position until 1994. He later worked for the Texas Education Agency and represented the State of Texas during visits to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C.

After Linda retired from her career as a principal, she and José enjoyed traveling together, visiting places that included Israel, Spain, Rome, France, and Mexico. Eventually, they returned home to Kingsville, where Linda opened the Blue Ribbon Deli. José would later jokingly recall that after he burned the soup one day, Linda ran him out of the kitchen and put him in charge of the books instead - a small story that reflected the humor and companionship they shared throughout their many years together.

When Linda was diagnosed with cancer, José devoted himself to caring for her until her passing in May 2015.

José's Catholic faith was an important and enduring part of his life. He sought to live that faith through service to others, giving of his time and talents whenever and however he could. Following Linda's death, that spirit of service led him to become involved with Weavers of Love in Kingsville. What began as volunteering grew into another calling, and José eventually became its executive director.

Through Weavers of Love, he spent years helping provide food, meals, clothing, fellowship, and kindness to those in need. For José, however, serving others meant more than meeting physical needs. It meant treating every person with dignity, compassion, and love. He once described one of the greatest rewards of that work as helping the underserved and spreading their mission of love.

That same love and devotion were at the center of his family.

José was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda H. Johnson, and his parents, José M. Johnson and Maria Ramon Johnson.

He is survived by his sister, Elida Lopez (Frank); his three children, José Johnson III (Monica), Maria McGuire (Scott), and Carlos Johnson (Bonnie); and his eight grandchildren, Cristina Dickerson (Jaboris), Katrina Johnson, Diego Johnson, Antonio McGuire, Micaela McGuire, Carlos Johnson Jr. (Lilliana), Flora Johnson, and Carmine Johnson.

He is also survived by his seven great-grandchildren, Noah Dickerson, Gideon Guerra, Zayden Johnson (Hannah), Carlos Johnson III, José N. Johnson, Emma Johnson, and Kilian Johnson, who will carry his memory into another generation.

José lived many chapters in his 89 years - as a scientist, computer analyst, teacher, principal, superintendent, public servant, businessman, caregiver, community leader, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Through each chapter ran the same quiet thread: a willingness to use what he had been given in service to others.

He loved his family, remained grounded in his Catholic faith, valued education, and believed in treating people with dignity and kindness. His accomplishments were many, but the lives he touched and the love he gave are the truest measure of the man he was.

The family will receive condolences from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary; with a holy rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. A mass of christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at St. Gertrude Catholic Church. Rite of Committal and Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Premont Cemetery, where José will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Linda H. Johnson.

José Johnson Jr. lived, as was once written of him, "a life well lived." And for those who knew and loved him, it was a life that will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.