Jeffrey Johnson

Jeffrey Scott Johnson, 57, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 14, following a brave fight against long illness. Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Cathy; his beloved son, Jett; his parents, Baxter and Bobbie Johnson; sister Beth (Bert) Conroy; brother Brad (Michellee) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews. Jeff loved his family fiercely, and they loved him dearly. No one could meet Jeff without being charmed by his ready smile, funny wit, and booming laugh. Jeff brought warmth and fun to every room he entered, never met a stranger, sang at the top of his lungs, and made room at the table (laden with his excellent cooking) for everyone. Jeff explored the world as a military kid, and he grew up loving travel and meeting new people. Having spent his teen years in Germany, Jeff spoke excellent German, and he could cook a one-man Oktoberfest. Jeff moved to Bowling Green to attend WKU, where he played rugby and met the love of his life, fellow WKU student Cathy McCombs. Cathy and Jeff married and settled in Bowling Green, Cathy’s hometown, in 1988. Jeff served in the Army National Guard for six years and eventually trained as an automotive mechanic. He started his own business, BYOP Automotive. Cathy and Jeff’s teamwork continued through Jeff’s lengthy health struggles, and under Cathy’s leadership, BYOP has continued to grow and thrive. Jeff’s greatest calling arrived with the birth of their son, Jett Alexander, in 2004. Jeff loved being a father to Jett, and the two shared a special bond from the start. Jeff became Jett’s soccer team coach and mentor on the lake, teaching Jett how to wakeboard, jet ski, and maneuver a boat. They both shared a love of the ocean and playing in the waves, the bigger the better. Jeff will be missed by his family every day, but we take comfort in the memories of a life well-lived and the love he leaves behind. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeff’s honor to the American Stroke Association or American Diabetes Association. We ask all who would like to open a cold beer, grill a good steak, and play Jimmy Buffet in his honor, as these were some of Jeff’s favorite things.