Randall J. "Randy" Johnson

Randall Jay Johnson, 71, passed away peacefully and comfortably Friday, November 21, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Eleanor Johnson, and his eldest brother, Ralph Jr.

Randy is survived by his three children, Lisa (Ron) Jimmerson, Matthew (Jessica) Johnson, and Travis (Heidi) Johnson; his siblings Rodney (Cheryl) Johnson, Richard (April) Johnson and Ruth (Don) Rozanski; his sister-in-, law, Rose Nowack; his two grandchildren, Olivia Rose and Zander Jay; and several nieces and nephews.

The middle child of five, Randy grew up in Grand Rapids and worked in the flooring industry for over 50 years as an installer. He had a special eye for detail and could fix or build anything he put his mind to, most being self-taught. He often commented on flooring while waiting at the doctor’s office or restaurants, especially taking notice of the “bad ones”.

Randy enjoyed traveling Michigan, the Upper Peninsula in particular, and would head North as often as possible. He was a pro at strategically packing up camping gear, a cooler, a few essentials, kids and a dog and hitting the road. Randy and his family completed the annual Bridge walk many, many years and he was always the first to “spot the bridge” on the way to his favorite place. Road trips to Canada, Florida, the Tetons, Yellowstone and the Great Plains were also family favorites.

Randy loved being a father and grandfather. For many years, he was rarely seen without one of his young kids in tow. Whether it was just running a simple errand, or sharing his love for the outdoors, he would bundle them up and take them along. Throughout his life, Randy had a quick wit with a great sense of humor and also a thrill for adventure. He was a hunter and an avid fisherman, participating for several years in the Dam to Dam ice fishing competition, sharing this love with his son, Travis.

In the early 2000’s, Randy moved to Ravenna, then later found home in Big Rapids where he lived for several years. He moved back to GR after surviving a stroke, retired and rehabilitated there for his final years. During this time, he formed a special bond with his siblings and children, spending many hours with Lisa, first during his rehab and later furnishing an apartment, doctor visits and lunch dates. He enjoyed hearing about his son, Matt’s, travels and lit up when he was in town to visit. He also had a very special relationship with his brother, Rich. They spent time fishing and boating the Muskegon river, and later weekly lunches from Culver’s.

The family would like to thank the staff at Intersect Healthcare of Forest Hills for the care Randy received. We also send thanks and gratitude to Amy and the team from Comfort Care Hospice for their compassion and support.

Graveside committal services are at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Plainfield Township Cemetery, 6205 Packer Drive N.E., Belmont, Michigan.

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Randy’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.