John "Spooky" Kustave Johnson Jr.

John “Spooky” Kustave Johnson, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher, coach, and friend, passed away on January 2nd at the age of 92; his loving wife of 63 years was at his side. He was born in New Orleans on November 15, 1925. A product of Holy Cross High School, he excelled in football and track. He attended Tulane until he served in the Navy on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger during WW2. He was often seen around town sporting his WW2 Veterans hat proudly. After graduating from Tulane, he earned a Masters’ degree from Nicholls State University. He coached at Redemptorist High School and went on to become the head coach at Westwego Jr High School for 30 years. During that time, he founded the Jefferson Community Club Association for swimming and diving. He also taught adult education from 1966-2005. His passions other than family were golf and tennis. He started the Louisiana Coaches Golf Club, serving as President for three years, and later served on the Board of Governors for Shady Oaks Golf Club. As his love for tennis grew he created the Hotel Tennis Club and wrote articles for the “Match Point” tennis magazine. While he loved playing sports, his true joy was found in watching those he taught and coached live out his motto: “Happiness is the result of accomplishment.” His coaching and teaching career spanned 55 years and he loved every moment of it. Spooky is survived by his wife, Belva Myers Johnson, three children: John David Johnson (Jackie), William Matthew Johnson (Sharon), and Terrie Johnson Farrand (Michael); three grandchildren: William Johnson, Jr. (Marie), Melissa Lavendar (Justin), and Sean Johnson (Melissa); five great grandchildren; sister Carolyn Johnson and several nieces and nephews. Additional beloved family members include Theron Powell, Christian Powell, Paul Nelson and Sherry Sewell. A lover of life, the perfect old fashioned, football, golf, tennis, and bad jokes, Spooky blessed and entertained those lucky enough to cross his path. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass held at St. Edwards the Confessor, 4921 W Metairie Ave., Metairie., LA on Saturday, January 6, 2018, at noon. Visitation from 10:30 a.m. until service time. Arrangements entrusted to Neptune Society of New Orleans, 3801 Williams Blvd., Kenner, LA 70065. 504-464-3095.