James Barry Johnson

Barry was born October 7, 1954, the son of the late Jim Johnson and Carolyn Wiltrout Johnson. He was the older brother of Robin Johnson Neel (Brad) and Dana Johnson Lyle (Greg). Barry passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2025. He was a 1972 graduate of Trinity High School where he excelled in baseball and football. In 1976, Barry married the love of his life, Sharon Roehm. Together, they created a beautiful family, daughters Brooke Sleek (Broc) and Sarah Schreyer (Brady) and son Jimmy Johnson (Emily Jardine). Barry was never shy about how proud he was of his family, and always humbly giving the credit to his wife who he adored so much. He lived for his grandchildren, Jake, Hadley, and Brooklyn Schreyer, Colby and Olivia Sleek and Ruby, Beau, and Beckett Johnson. He loved to take them out to eat, surprise them with gifts, and always made sure they were loaded up on sugar before they went home. What he loved most was seeing them follow in his and his children’s footsteps, hunting, fishing and playing sports. He loved to root on his kids and grandkids and occasionally blurt out “for crying out loud” if the ref missed an obvious call. “Uncle Barry” was the fun uncle for his nieces and nephews whom he endlessly teased at family gatherings. Deer season was always a busy time for Barry, a time he cherished each year with his son Jimmy, his best friends, his grandson Jake, and his granddaughter Ruby. Barry always had a knack for good luck following him and it was fitting that his final hunt with grandson, Jake got a once in a lifetime buck. Barry worked at Bayer Corp. for 30 years. He retired in 2011, where he then worked at Meadows Casino for five years. He also coached countless sports teams over the years, helping hundreds of kids in the Washington area learn to play. Barry was truly one of a kind. His sense of humor, quirks, and giant heart are why he was loved so dearly by his family and friends and why it will be difficult not having such a special person in their lives. Family and friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, January 13, 2025, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Pastor Bradley Neel officiating. Entombment will follow in Washington Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Olivia Scott Foundation. https://pay.oliviascottfoundation.org.