By Ruth Ferguson, NDG Editor
Earlier this week it was with a heavy heart, the North Dallas Gazette (NDG) team learned of the passing of Joshua Johnson, not only a vital part of local journalism but a former colleague at NDG. Johnson, 38 years-old, passed at home on Saturday, June 22.
Johnson served as the editor of the daily newspaper Focus Daily News (FDN), an award-winning newspaper covering the Southern Dallas suburbs. A graduate of Lincoln High School, Johnson received a Bachelors in Communications from Paul Quinn College. He reportedly was pursuing his Master’s Degree in Business from Grand Canyon University.
Although much younger than me, Johnson and I assumed our respective roles as editor the same year in 2007. Shortly after I joined the NDG team, we were seeking a new graphic artist to layout the weekly print edition. Four nights a week, after working all day at his newspaper, he would drive to Plano and work on our paper when he served as an interim graphic designer.
His time with NDG was brief, but the impression he left was not. Johnson was always generous with sharing professional knowledge. I never saw Johnson once without a warm smile and willingness to answer questions to anyone who reached out. Although much younger than me, in some ways he felt like a mentor as a started my tenure with NDG.
When we saw each other last year at a media event, it was at a rooftop event on a rather cold night. We spent more than an hour huddled near a fireplace catching up. Whenever you ran into Johnson, it always felt like you were running into an old friend you just saw yesterday, the time just fell away with his laughter and smile.
The journalism community and the readers he faithful served truly lost a remarkable man with the passing of Johnson. He provided a front seat to the growth of Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Lancaster, Duncanville, and Glenn Heights. NDG and I join the countless voices in saying goodbye to a fine young man, who was an incredible asset and ambassador for journalism. I personally want to add my note of thanks for his personal and professional kindness to me.
FDN reports Johnson is survived by his mother, Marilyn Burton, and father Samuel E. Burton. Johnson also is survived by his brothers, Eric Johnson Jr., Caleb L. Johnson, and Isaac H. Malone. Additionally, his grandparents Idella Washington and Henry Kennedy are joined with other relatives and countless friends in mourning the loss of a talented young man.
A Star Wars-themed vigil is planned tonight at the Grand Lounge at Paul Quinn College, followed by a funeral service on Saturday, June 29 at The United House Of Prayer For All People located at 121 Murdock Rd., in Dallas at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to a GoFund Me account set up for those who wish to make a donation to help the family with funeral expenses. Details are available on the Focus Daily News Facebook page.
