Robert Jay Johnson

Robert Jay Johnson, 66, of Salem, passed away at the UVA Medical Center on Saturday, April 7, 2012. He was born in Glens Falls, NY on December 20, 1945 and had resided in Salem since 2007. Bob received a kidney transplant on March 8, 2009. He felt that it was a true gift from God and, since that time, he has worked tirelessly and passionately to educate his community about the importance of becoming an organ donor. He volunteered for LifeNet Health and traveled all over Southwest Virginia talking to high school drivers education classes about signing up to become an organ donor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn and Clifford Johnson; and his brother, Lester. His surviving family includes his wife of 42 years, Janet; daughter, Rebecca; brothers and sisters, Gene, Nelson, Gary, Diana, Donna, and Dawn; and wonderful grandchildren, Kianna, Sean, Chuck, Scott, Josh, Jordan, Dante, and Marcus. A period of visitation will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 beginning at 1 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel in Salem. At 2 p.m., a service celebrating his life will begin. Following the celebration, a reception will be held in his honor at the family residence from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the LifeNet Health Foundation at 1864 Concert Drive in Virginia Beach, VA 23453. You are also encouraged to visit www.donatelifeva.org to become an organ donor yourself. An online guestbook for family members and friends is available at www.johnmoakey.com. The Johnson family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem, 540-389-5441.