John Johnson, the founder/president of J&J Sales and a longtime pool industry professional, passed away April 15 from brain cancer. He was 73.
Johnson got his start in the pool business at his brother Larry’s Garden Grove, Calif., branch of Allreds Pool Supply. His career also included a stint as vice president of sales at Len Gordon Co. He opened his own manufacturers’ rep firm in Garden Grove in 1989 and remained at the helm for more than 25 years.
Active in the industry, Johnson presided over the Southern California Chapter of the National Spa & Pool Institute, later called APSP, from 1980-82. He served on that board for five years. He received the Guy Muto Award in 1990, and was a popular emcee of industry events.
Prior to his pool-industry career, Johnson served in the Navy for six years and was a Seabee reservist for 10. He loved to travel, and his time in the military and pool industry allowed him to do just that, going to places such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Spain, Morocco, Guam, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and throughout the United States.
Besides traveling, Johnson’s favorite pastimes included fishing and golfing. When work took him on the road, he was sure to hit the links wherever possible.
“He was a great friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather,” said Bob Montgomery, a longtime friend and owner of Assured Pools & Spas in Hawaiian Gardens, Calif. “Johnny worked in the pool industry all of his life. … He will be greatly missed.”
Johnson is survived by Cheryl, his wife of 48 years; daughters Lori and Sheri; and grandchildren Tyler, Madison and Karlli.
