J. E. “Jake” Johnson, who had served the IATSE as an International Vice President from 1974 to 1990, passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday, May 18, 2013.
Jake began his career in the IATSE as a projectionist in 1944 and was a member of Operators Local No. 330 in Fort Worth, Texas. He had served his local union as Business Agent for over ten years, and had also served as the Secretary of IATSE District No. 6. In March of 1974 at the mid-Winter meeting of the General Executive Board, J.E. Jake Johnson was unanimously elected by the Board to serve as Seventh International Vice President of the IATSE.
As noted in the minutes of the General Executive Board meeting from March 11-12, 1990, Vice President Johnson had spoken of retirement for some time but was persuaded to remain on the Board “because he was invaluable to the welfare of the Alliance.” He served the Alliance with distinction and total dedication and it was also noted by the Board that “no expression of gratitude can be adequate.”
His wife Peggy of over fifty years had passed away in 2003. He is survived by his son Alan and two daughters Debbie Boynton and Mary Hasenbeck, as well as seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and nine great, great-grandchildren.
As we mourn the passing of Jake Johnson, the International expresses its gratitude for his commitment to the IATSE and extends sincere condolences to his family.