CANTON - Jack D. Johnson, 55, of 900 N. Eighth Ave., Canton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009, at 9:14 a.m. in Graham Hospital's Extended Care Unit surrounded by his loving wife and children following a courageous 18-month battle with brain cancer.

Jack was born on Nov. 5, 1954, in Macomb to Floyd Dean and Mary Jo (Kennelly) Johnson of Lewistown. They survive. He cherished his 31-year marriage to Debbie Waggoner, who he wed on March 18, 1978, in Astoria. She survives.

Jack's proudest accomplishment was his three beautiful children, Rachael (Michael) Mulligan, Ashley Johnson (Josh Morgan) and Justin Johnson, all of Canton. His granddaughter, Madisen Nicole Mulligan, brought so much joy to his life, and he was anticipating the birth of his grandson in February 2010. Also surviving are one brother, Eric (Becky) Johnson of Gulf Shores, Ala.; three sisters, Kristina (Jim) Lewis of Sebring, Fla., Kelly (David) Embrey of Lewistown and Cara (Jerry) Bainter of Peoria; and his stepgrandmother, Nina Johnson of Table Grove.

Jack graduated from Lewistown High School in 1973 and attended Western Illinois University.

Jack was a metallurgical technician at Caterpillar Inc., last working on June 5, 2008. He retired on March 1, 2009, with 35 years of service.

He was a proud member of United Auto Workers Local 974.

He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs, Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Lakers.

He enjoyed golfing, hunting and was an avid bicyclist.

Jack's favorite pastime was spending time with his family and he relished their vacations to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Jack's loving family and many friends will miss his witty, unique sense of humor.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009, at 1 p.m. at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home in Canton, with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. The Rev. Kenneth Bloyd will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Memorials may be made to the family in care of CEFCU.

Jack D Johnson