He looks on the bright side
North Side resident Jeff Johnson doesn’t look much like a hero. At 6 foot 2, with mostly gray hair, he rarely makes eye contact. He ducks his head and looks over his shoulder, frequently answering questions with, “Glad you asked!”
But to the many his life has touched, he is worthy of admiration, not just for his role in the Special Olympics, but also for his courage and upbeat attitude.
Born in 1952 at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Jeff says he’s “been around the block.” At 2, he was diagnosed with developmental disabilities. His parents, Jay and Julie Johnson, enrolled him in local schools with programs for those with special needs.
Jeff attended Bryant and Arlington elementary schools as well as the Garland School, now the Spokane Guilds’ School.
He grew up on the North Side with five younger siblings. The neighborhood kids dubbed him “Moose” because he was so much bigger than the other kids. His brother, Greg, describes him as “brilliantly optimistic.” That optimism has served him well.
In 2001 his family learned that Jeff has a rare form of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, an incurable blood cancer. The news distressed the Johnson family, having lost a brother, Brad, to cancer in 1991. Jeff however, took it all in stride. “I’m going to beat this cancer,” he said.
In January 2002, Jeff, then 50, was one of the Special Olympians to run the Olympic torch through Spokane. Wearing a white tracksuit with a white stocking cap, he proudly ran the torch past cheering friends and family. He dedicated the torch to his brother Brad.
His sister, Mary Gayle, describes Jeff as being “other-centered.” For example, at Jeff’s first visit with the oncologist, Dr. Stephen Anthony asked him, “Do you have any questions for me?” Jeff replied, “You bet. What do you like to do for fun?”
Anthony said Jeff is “always positive, always smiling. There’s lots of laughter in the office when Jeff’s here.” After a painful bone marrow biopsy, Jeff actually thanked his doctor. No wonder Anthony said, “It’s a privilege to take care of Jeff.”
That generous spirit makes him very popular at the West Central Community Center. Jeff, known as J.J. there, is part of the Community Access Program and is enrolled in the learning skills classes. Deb Kronich, a staff member and a cancer survivor, calls Jeff a shining example.
“I learn something from J.J. every day,” she said. “His manners are impeccable, and he’s always willing to help. He sets up tables for the handbell choir, scoots the clients’ chairs in for them, and helps open their snacks. He’s a proud uncle to five nephews and nieces. His deep love for his family is very evident.”
Five years after his initial diagnosis, Jeff faces another tough round of chemotherapy with the same faith and optimism that inspires those around him.
“A lot of people are praying for me to beat this cancer,” Jeff said. “I think those prayers are going to work in the long run.”