Joseph W. (B.J.) Johnson was born January 22, 1934 in Lillington NC and died June 23, 2014 in Wilmington NC.

Joseph is the son of the late J. Grady Johnson and Virginia Redfern Johnson. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert E. Johnson of Albany, GA.

Joseph (B.J.) was a graduate of Georgia Military Academy, UNC Chapel Hill class of 1956 and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Jarrett Johnson, daughters Gwendolyn J. O'Connor and husband Gerald O'Connor of Bennington, Vermont and Letitia R. Johnson of Chapel Hill; son Joseph W. Johnson JR and wife Susan of Franklin Tenn.; sister Ginger Johnson of Wilmington, NC. In addition, Joseph loved his 5 grandson's Cory O'Connor, Jarrett O' Connor, Dylan O'Connor, Joseph W. Johnson III, and Christopher Johnson. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed seeing at a yearly family reunion at Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Joseph was a Naval Aviator and retired as a Commander. In addition, he was an Electronic Engineer and Business Manager. He married the love of his life, Sue Jarrett Johnson in 1956 after they met at the Carolina/Notre Dame Football game in 1955. At UNC Chapel Hill Joseph was a member of the football and baseball teams. Joseph never lost his love for Carolina. He named his pet Labrador retriever, Tar Heel.

Joseph was a decorated pilot during the Vietnam War and crew member of the last crew of the USS Intrepid before she was converted to museum duty in New York City.

After his retirement Joseph was an avid golfer and fly fisherman and an active member in the Beau Rivage Community in Wilmington, NC.

A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, Wilmington. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, June 29, 2014 at O'Qiunn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Harnett Memorial Park with full military honors.
A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 P.M. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, Wilmington. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Oâ