Former Brookings resident Greg Johnson, 51, of Jacksonville, passed away Wednesday, July 20, 2011, in Brookings.  

Greg was born April 8, 1960, in McRoberts, Ky., the oldest of three children to   John and Jean Johnson. 

Greg moved to Brookings in 1974, with his mother, sister, and brother. 

In 1979, when the family moved to Medford, Greg moved back to Kentucky where he found work in the coal mines with his father.

In 1987 Greg left the coal mines to work for Toyota Motors as a robotics computer mechanic in Georgetown, Ky.  

Greg took his family from Kentucky and moved to San Diego in 1992, to work with his mother in the home-care business. 

In 1998, the family and the business moved to Medford.

From the Blue Grass of Kentucky to the rivers and valleys of Oregon, Greg found his greatest comfort and peace when he was outdoors. An avid fisherman, huntsman and miner of the elements, Greg found his greatest solace when he was able to go back to the wild.

Greg touched many people with his kindness and gentle way. He will be missed and always loved by his many friends and family.

Greg leaves behind his children, Jacob of Portland,  Jamie Johnson-Verdugo (Ben) of Encinitas, Calif., Joshua of Medford; mother Jean Moore of Jacksonville;  sister Kathi Reese of Talent; brother Michael (Christina) of Jacksonville. Also surviving is his close friend Bill McLaughlin, and many nephews, nieces, grandchildren, and his dog, faithful companion Smylee. 

Greg’s family and a few friends gathered to remember him in Brookings.

Memorial contributions may be made, in his name,  to Kenneth Cox Ministries, www.kennethcoxministries. org.

Submitted by the family.