Senior Trooper Jonathan Christopher ‘JJ’ Johnson, Unit 925 (KSP), 48 of Bowling Green passed away on April 30, 2024, at 10:31 a.m. in a motor vehicle crash in Bowling Green, Kentucky
Jonathan “JJ” Johnson was a good guy, who was always willing to help others. He loved his wife and family dearly and would frequently express, “they are my whole life.” He loved his job and even from a young age wanted to be a State Trooper. He enjoyed playing pranks on his family and friends and making even tough situations humorous. JJ was a member and attended Fairview Memorial Missionary Baptist Church having joined on June 26, 2016 after being saved in 2011. He was born on January 29, 1976 in Bowling Green, Kentucky to the late Charles M. Johnson, III and Mary Louise Dickerson Miller, who survives.
JJ is survived by his faithful wife, Kerri Dianne Tims Johnson; children, Chase Alexander Johnson (Sierra), Hannah Elisabeth Johnson, Malia Angel Miller, and Kyler Trace Miller; two grandchildren, Sebastian Lee Meador and Wyatt Jenson Meador; mother, Mary Louise Miller (Danny); siblings, Wallace Ray Ramsey (Kristie) of Newcastle, Indiana, Michael Shane Johnson (Alicia) of Louisville, Kentucky, Allen Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Carol Johnson of Renton, WA, David Johnson of Port Townsend, Washington, Brian Kirchner of Woodinville, Washington, Mike Johnson of Seattle, Washington, and Bryan Miller (Kristie) of Russellville, Kentucky; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow law enforcement.
JJ was known as “Chris” to his family growing up. He attended Jones Jaggers Elementary, Warren East High School, and Warren Central High School. As an adult, he started a family and raised two children. JJ liked to aggravate his son, Alex, by rolling him up in a blanket burrito where he couldn’t move. He loved throwing his daughter, Hannah, up in the air and catching her. He always went out of his way to embarrass his kids; e.g. the time he dressed up like Napolean Dynamite to pick Hannah up from school. When not working or spending time with family he liked New Orleans Saints football and PlayStation.
Prior to entering law enforcement, JJ worked at Quebecor in Franklin. For those who worked with him, JJ always enjoyed mischief. He used this time to hone his skills as a prankster. One of his friends at the factory had left to become a Franklin Police Officer, and he talked JJ into applying for a position as a police officer. He was hired by the Franklin Police Department on February 8, 2010 and graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Center Training. As a police officer, JJ was a natural. He was a thorough investigator and was known as a hound dog when it came to finding drugs. While with the Franklin Police Department he served on the Honor Guard.
While at the Franklin Police Department, he met his wife, Kerri. She encouraged JJ to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Kentucky State Police trooper. JJ was accepted by the Kentucky State Police after an extensive application process. He resigned from the Franklin Police Department and left for the KSP Academy in August 2014. He successfully completed the rigorous training and graduated on January 16, 2015.
JJ and Kerri had a whirlwind romance and were married on October 15, 2015, and he gained his bonus children, Malia and Kyler. The entire family loved having adventures together such as going on bike rides at Mammoth Cave National Park, kayaking at Lake Barkley, and trips to the beach.
While serving with the Kentucky State Police he served both at Post 3 Bowling Green and Post 2 Madisonville in the capacities of Senior Trooper, Detective, and Sergeant. Trooper Johnson was voted Post 3 Detective of the Year in 2019 and has served on the US Marshal’s Task Force since 2021. JJ was honored to participate in the Presidential Inauguration of 2021, the Kentucky Derby, The Kentucky State Fair, and many other special details. He served on the Crowd Control Response Team and was deployed to the Louisville, Kentucky protests in 2020. He was also a past member of Post 3’s Major Crimes Team.
JJ was very proud of his children. He was excited for Alex’s career with the United States Army; for Hannah as she attended the University of Kentucky; for Malia’s future aspirations to become a pharmacist; and loved to go to Kyler’s football games.
JJ was greatly loved by those who knew him. He had a contagious personality and addictive smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at noon Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at Living Hope Baptist Church (1805 Westen Street, Bowling Green, KY) with visitation from 2 until 8 p.m. Monday and from 8 a.m. until noon Tuesday at the Church. Burial will take place in Bowling Green Gardens (820 Lovers Lane, Bowling Green, KY) with Kentucky State Police Honors. J.C. Kirby & Son Funeral Chapels has been entrusted with arrangements.
