Russell Arthur Johnson II, “Russ,” recently passed on to his maker.
Russ was a retired special education teacher in the Hendersonville School District and also worked in the golf shop at Hendersonville Country Club, of which he was an avid member. A skilled golfer, enthusiastic baseball fan and lover of the special needs children he taught, Russ had been a member of the Hendersonville community for almost thirty years.
Russ was born December 1945, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Russell Arthur and Jeanne Adele Johnson (nee LaCroix). His early life involved a series of homes in Riverside, Elgin, and Mundelein, Illinois, Evansville, Indiana, and Auburn and Buffalo, New York; he graduated from Clarence (New York) High School in 1963, and later graduated from McMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Following initial employment in sales and brokerage, he gave into his passion for “kids,” acquired his teaching credentials and began an enriching career.
Russ was married and divorced and had no children. He was pre-deceased by both parents and leaves two brothers, John (Patricia) and Peter (Kimberly) and a sister, Jeanne Buff. He shared mutual love and affection with nephews and nieces and great-nieces and nephews.
Russ’s remains will be cremated and his cremated remains will be placed near those of his parents in Crystal Lake, Illinois. A celebration of his life will be held at a future time and place to be determined.
Memorial gifts may be sent to charities, of the giver’s choice, which support special needs children.
Jackson Funeral Service has been entrusted with the arrangements.