Eric K. Johnson

Eric Keith Johnson, age 54, of Chagrin Falls, OH and Whitefish, MT, passed away on December 24, 2023. He is survived by his devoted wife Amy; dear children Emily, Abigail and Molly Johnson; loving parents Bonnie and Philip T. Johnson of Waxhaw, NC & Eric K. Snider of Columbus, OH; dear siblings Sherri Johnson, Lesley Johnson Kerry (Matt) and Philip T. Johnson III (Shannon); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Eric Keith Johnson, Jr.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric K. Johnson, US Army, Ret., ended his battle with cancer on December 24, 2023, with his wife by his side. Eric enlisted in the US Army in June of 1987. After serving 3 years as an enlisted medic where he received several Army Achievement Medals, he enrolled at the University of Maryland College Park and subsequently the University of Maryland Medical School. He received his MD and rank of Captain, US Army, in May of 1997 and completed his General Surgery residency at Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, GA. He completed his fellowship in Colon and Rectal Surgery at the Georgia Colon and Rectal Surgical Clinic in Atlanta, GA. During this time he was deployed in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom where he served as a surgeon and also did several deployments with the Combined Joint Special Operations Command as a general surgeon. Eric was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Joint Service Commendation Medal, among many other awards. He served as a General Surgeon and a Colo-Rectal Surgeon at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Ft. Gordon, Augusta, GA and Madigan Army Medical Center, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA, before retiring in June of 2016.

During his time in the military, Eric excelled in his professional career as a surgeon. He became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. He was an active member in all of these organizations serving on various boards and making important contributions to each. Eric was an exceptional surgeon who was always willing to take on big complicated cases. He was compassionate, skilled and bold, saving many lives during his career. Following his military service, Eric had the privilege of operating at Multicare Hospital in Tacoma, WA and the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH. He ultimately found his dream job at Logan Health in Whitefish, MT. Throughout his adult life Eric’s predominant concern was for the welfare of his family, his wife and three daughters that he adored and to whom he was totally dedicated.

Adventure was a big part of Eric’s life outside of his military and professional achievements. He was an avid skydiver and BASE jumper. He had over 2400 skydives and numerous BASE jumps, covering all categories- building, antennas, spans (bridges) and earth. He made lifelong friends and fulfilled his adrenaline dreams through both. Eric also enjoyed mountain climbing and summited many mountains during his time including Mount Rainier and Mount Katahdin. He also loved being out on the Puget Sound in his boat, the “Yeah Buoy.” He was also a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Friends will be received at ST. JOHN FUNERAL HOME, 16381 CHILLICOTHE RD. (RT 306), CHAGRIN FALLS, 44023 (2.5 MILES NORTH OF RT. 422), WEDNESDAY JANUARY 3, 2024 FROM 2-5P.M, WHERE FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 5PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to 22 Jumps https://22jumps.org/donate/