Lt. Jack Lowell Johnson, Iii

The power of his smile when he entered a room radiated like sunshine and warmed your heart. It was a glimpse into his soul—it is a smile to remember—full of love and joy to share.

Jack Lowell Johnson III came into this world humbly and he left humbly at peace with his family surrounding him. He will be remembered for his compassion for others and his love for his children, wife, mother, and family.

Jack was born October 3, 1967, in Laurel, Mississippi, the oldest son of Janice Shanks Johnson and Jack Lowell Johnson, Jr.

Between his mother Janice and her siblings were seven (males) for a long time (Jack, Jonathan, Jason, and cousins Curtis, Simon, James, and Michael). They spent many weekends together playing ball, swimming and being naughty. They loved each other like brothers and were deemed the Magnificent 7.

Jack’s children, Trevor, 21, and Jaylon, 18, are both college students. Jack and his wife of 31 years, Sherry, have instilled in them the importance of education, family, and love of God; tools needed for survival. The love and respect that they display to others is a tribute to their father and mother. His focus was centered on his relationship with God and family life.

Jack grew up in church at the Elwood Church of God, Quitman, Mississippi. He is now a member of the Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Dr. Lonnie Slater is the pastor. His illness did not cause him to falter in his faith.

Jack attended elementary and high school in Quitman, MS where he graduated with honors in 1985. He was an outstanding athlete and played wide receiver for the Quitman Panthers. People are still talking about his performances in the 1984 Homecoming Game and the Jaycee Bowl Game. College scouts were at his door after these games. He was also a first-class track athlete running the 100-yard dash, 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays. He grew up fishing in his parent’s pond and was good at it.

Jack is a graduate of University of West Alabama, Livingston Alabama. He majored in Business Administration and Information systems technology. After graduating, he was the Assistant Manager of the BC Moore’s department store in Saluda South Carolina and later open the first store in Perry, Georgia in 1993. However, in 1996 he became a policeman which was his dream job. You see, his grandfather—his mother’s father, Simon Shanks, Sr, was a policeman in Laurel, Mississippi. Jack has never regretted his choice. He also earned his Master of Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University in May 2014.

Professional networking was important to Jack. His involvement in the community gave him access to strong bridge building among those he served.

During the Regular Meeting of the Perry City Council, September 20, 2016, Chief Lynn gave a brief overview of Lt. Jack Johnson’s time with the police department. Sherry, his wife, pinned the 20-year service pin on his uniform.

Jack was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia April 2021. He may have lost the battle, but he did not lose the war. He had victory in Jesus. His faith never wavered. In fact, he found the strength to be an inspiration to others. He got a chance to say goodbye to the people he loved so much.

Jack has left us a prime example of the possibilities for our own lives if we but dare to think high, live up to our thoughts, and care for the needs of others.

In Jack’s lifetime, his pillars of strength were rooted in God and his relationships and bonds with family, neighbors, community, and education. Jack Johnson III was married 31 years to Sherry Whigham. He leaves wonderful memories to be cherished by their sons, Trevor and Jaylon Johnson; his mother, Janice Shanks Johnson; mother-in-law, Julia Mae Whigham; two (2) brothers, Jonathan Laurence Johnson (Rochelle); Jason Lamont Johnson (Melissa). Aunts Kathy Thomas, Tanya Gray, and Marvis Johnson; and uncles Simon Shanks, Jr., Michael Earl Shanks, Herbert Thompson, Mitchell Thompson, Marvin Thompson, Carmichael Thompson, and Tony Thompson. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in passing by his father, Jack Johnson, Jr.; father-in-law, James Bamous Whigham; paternal grandparents, Jack Johnson Sr., and Corine Johnson; his maternal grandparents, Simon Shanks, Sr. and Barbara Portis Shanks, and Leona Thompson; and one of the Magnificent 7—his cousin Simon Shanks, III.

Jack’s family would like to recognize and thank his many friends in the Houston County area community, Atrium Health Navicent 9th Floor staff, Emory University Winship and T9 Floor staff, and the wonderful ladies of the Atlanta Hospital Hospitality House. Those who have been so warm and generous during the previous months. It is the perfect reflection of a life lived well that so many people came together to share in his love.

The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at McCullough Funeral Home. Jack’s funeral service will be at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at Hope Church, 204 Sullivan Road, Fort Valley, GA 31030. For friends and family unable to attend, the service will be streamed live via the McCullough Funeral Home Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mcculloughfuneralhome/live/.

A public viewing will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home in the Quitman Chapel, 305 Lynda St., Quitman, MS 39355. His graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2022, at a private, family-only ceremony at the Whigham Family Cemetery with Pastor Dr. Lonnie L. Slater officiating. Berry and Gardner Funeral Homes will be directing.

Jack will be interred at the Whigham Family Cemetery, 878 County Road 636, Waynesboro, MS 39367.

Learn more about the measures McCullough Funeral Home is taking to ensure the health and safety of our guests at www.mcculloughfh.com. There you can also sign an Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.