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Service:
A celebration of life will be held at Little Galilee
Christian Camp, 7539 Little Galilee Road, Clinton,
IL on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until
2:00 p.m.
Funeral home:
Peasley Funeral Home, Lincoln
Obituary
Jacob D. “JD” Johnson,
born February 5, 1942, passed away surrounded by the
love of his family on May 7, 2026, 3:23 pm at OSF
Bloomington, Illinois.
JD was, in every sense that mattered, a cowboy—not
by trade, but by character. He lived with strength
and courage, doing the hard things when they needed
to be done, while always carrying himself with a
quiet, gentlemanly grace. He believed deeply in
respect—especially in the way a man should treat
women—with kindness, dignity, and honor. He also
believed in the responsibility of men to protect and
care for their families--values he lived out every
day of his life.
As a man of 5'10", he often seemed larger than life.
His willingness to lend a hand, offer a service, or
simply stop for a chat gave him a presence that
extended far beyond his stature. At times, he
carried the weight of responsibility on broad
shoulders as if it were effortless—just cowboying it
up.
JD took pride in being well-groomed and put
together. He often joked that if someone showed up
in a wrinkled shirt, they “must have slept on a park
bench.” Boots, pressed pants, and pearl-snap shirts
were his standard for out, denim for work, but
always clean-shaven, fresh haircut, and hair neatly
combed. He did not like to be “out of sorts,”
whether in his appearance or in the arrangement of
his garage, tools, shop, or even the placement of
items in his truck. Tools were to be returned neatly
to their holders, and seat protectors carefully put
back into place, bearings always greased, and
maintenance documented. To JD, there was a certain
calm in order, in things being in their place, and
in presenting oneself with care.
He was born to Lillie Beeler Johnson and Edward Wade
Johnson during a time when the world was at war. In
his early years, he spent much of his time with his
grandparents, Jake and Mable Beeler, who helped
shape the foundation of the man he would become.
JD grew up in Kenney, Illinois, and attended Kenney
schools until its consolidation with Clinton
schools. He graduated from Clinton High School,
where he was an active member of the FFA and served
as Vice President (1959–1960) and President
(1960–1961) of the Chapter.
JD worked as a driver for the Teamsters until 2002.
After his “retirement,” he continued his life of
service with the Tunbridge Township Road Commission,
where he worked as the Road Commissioner until his
passing. He now bequeaths the rocks, shovels, salt,
and road pack to the trusted morning coffee crew at
the township shed.
The word “retirement”
was always used loosely—because if you knew JD, you
knew it was never truly an option. Though he loved
music, motors, horses, buying trailers, trading lawn
mowers, and finding the best deal on just about
anything, JD’s true hobby was work. He once said his
only regret was that “maybe he worked too much.”
Those who knew him understood that it would never
have been any other way—but they should also carry
forward his quiet wisdom: keep work in perspective
and do not let it become your whole life. |
In July of 1961, he
eloped with the love of his life, Ruth P. Moews of
Bloomington, Illinois, who survives. Together they
built a life rooted in Central Illinois, raising
their three daughters near the Kenney area. When
asked about being married so young, and eloping,
would you change anything? JD smiled and said, “He
would do it, again, all over with her.” Their
stead-fast love was a grounding feature of their
relationship from conception to end.
JD carried his legacy of guidance, guardianship,
direction, and protection not only to his children,
but to the generations that followed. He welcomed
seven grandchildren: Joshua Baker (Wisconsin),
Jacalyn Green (Illinois), Cameron Green (Illinois),
Jake Cooley (wife Sheena; Illinois), Jonah Cooley
(Indiana), and Jade Henson (Illinois). He was
preceded in death by one granddaughter, Ronna Nicole
Burden Yoakam.
He also welcomed great-grandchildren: Lauren Raithel;
Maci and Kira Brooks; Wyatt and Kennedy Cooley;
Isiah, Elijah, and Marley Yoakam; and JoCee Totten.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; and his
daughters, Laurie Green (Darcy Green), Dede Johnson,
and Kristina Valentine (Ron Devore), all of Clinton,
IL. Both his brothers, Rick K Johnson (wife,
Marvetta; Illinois) Mike Johnson (wife, Ginger;
Tennessee) both survive him, along with several
nieces and nephews that simply call him “Uncle
Jake.”
His legacy lives on through the family he helped
shape and the values he instilled in them. On hard
days, JD would often drive home listening to Floyd
Cramer, letting the troubles of the day drift out
the window before he walked through the door. Long
before “being present” became a common phrase, Jake
practiced it. Perhaps it was because home was not
always quiet—with three daughters who could give him
a run for his money, and later grandchildren who
sometimes needed the steady guidance and direction
only grandpa could provide. His expectations at home
were firm but always rooted in understanding and
love. No matter what day, JD believed in letting the
bad out the window and bringing his best-self home
to the people who mattered most. Giving intention
and attention to family—was one of his cowboy ways.
JD will be remembered for the way he showed up—for
his family, for his responsibilities, and for the
life he built with steady hands and a strong heart.
He will be deeply missed and forever honored.
A celebration of life will be held at Little Galilee
Christian Camp, 7539 Little Galilee Road, Clinton,
IL on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until
2:00 p.m. and the family is requesting for all to
bring a memory and share a story to honor this great
man.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's
Research Hospital.
Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Jacob D. Johnson
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