The Fenton History Center lost one of our valued members, supporters, and volunteers, Steven A. “Steve” Johnson, on August 24, 2024, just 3 days after his 78th birthday.
Steve was born on August 21, 1946 in Jamestown, as one of 10 children of Curtis and Norma (Hall) Johnson. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1964.
He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served on the USS Albany in Marine detachment safeguarding special weapons. He was deployed to Vietnam with the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion 3rd Marine Division and was called up for active duty in Desert Storm. He wrote a memoir of his military experience, in a book entitled Cammie Up!
Steve married Judy. Steve worked for the City of Jamestown Police Department for 20 years and at the Chautauqua County Sheriff Department’s Marine Patrol for 6 years.
Steve joined the Fenton History Center 2011 and served on the Fenton’s Board of Trustees from 2013 to 2022. He was an active volunteer and worked on numerous events and projects, including the Saints and Sinners Cemetery Tours and the archaelogy project. A member of the Education and Exhibits Committee, he helped with the remodeling of the military exhibit. He was the go-to person for examining military artifacts and textiles.
When the Soldier’s Friend Scholarshop was started and we created a promotion video, Steve stepped in to portray Reuben Fenton. He also portrayed the Governor in our virtual video tour. These are just some of the projects Steve worked on!
He will be greatly missed by all of us at the Fenton.
With sincere condolences to Judy and family members, we look back on the events, hard work, and non-specific drop-ins that we have enjoyed with Steve for several years. Steve was well loved in many circles and will be sadly missed. It was my honor and privilege to accompany Steve on the June 2024 Honor Flight, and to witness the outpouring of respect, honor for Veterans, and patriotism that is packed into each and every “Welcome Home”. It was such a blessing that he was chosen for this particular trip, now as we look back, just in the nick of time. Steve was a good friend and mentor to me as Fenton History Center readied the Vets Finding Vets Program for launching on Nov. 11, 2014, and has been a steadfast supporter and helpmate ever since. He will be sadly missed, but memories of his tongue-in-cheek humor will continue to make us chuckle as we celebrate a life well-lived. Well Done, Steve.
Donations in Memory of Steve Johnson: Barb Cessna and Janet Wahlberg
