One of my fondest memories of Uncle Tom (of the many) illustrates his jovial nature and delightful character:
I was in 9th grade and had just returned home from what I thought was a particularly grueling football practice. Tom had dropped by the house and was speaking with Mom, and as always, was interested in me and what I was doing. To set the tone here, you have to understand this was during one of those periods when Tom had decided to get himself in shape and was actually running 2-5 or more miles several times per week. As always, he inquired about me and football, to which I replied something like, "Our practices are so hard, we have to run 100 yard sprints!" Tom got this mischievous twinkle in his eye, and with an exaggerated tone said, "One hundred yards! That's a long way!" Then he and Mom just busted up and of course my tough guy football bubble was burst, but it was so funny I started busting a gut as well.
I have never forgotten that moment in time and as I write this I can't help but smile. I'm sure Mom will remember that moment as well. Such stories are illustrative of the warmth which we feel, my siblings and I, when we think of Uncle Tom. I don't believe there was ever anything to dethrone him from his pedestal in our eyes - he was always the fun-loving uncle, yet his accomplishments spiritually, academically, and in the home seemed outstanding and exemplary. I know that my Uncle Tom had a testimony of the Living Christ, of his Gospel and mission, and of truth restored. I know he loved, honored and cherished his dear Carol (and later Katie) and his children. I have no doubt that he and Dad (Jack) are visiting the poor in spirit in prison who, as it says in D & C 76:73 "And also they who are the aspirits of men kept in bprison, whom the Son visited, and cpreached the dgospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;"...and they are healing them so they may be resurrected to the requisite glory.
Uncle Tom was beloved by all of us in the Jack Johnson family. Mom will certainly speak to this but she has said many times in the decade since Dad's passing that Tom was often a comfort, and was there for her to advise, comfort, and bolster her spirits. We are all grateful for Uncle Tom and I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to a glorious reunion with him in a holy place.
I was in 9th grade and had just returned home from what I thought was a particularly grueling football practice. Tom had dropped by the house and was speaking with Mom, and as always, was interested in me and what I was doing. To set the tone here, you have to understand this was during one of those periods when Tom had decided to get himself in shape and was actually running 2-5 or more miles several times per week. As always, he inquired about me and football, to which I replied something like, "Our practices are so hard, we have to run 100 yard sprints!" Tom got this mischievous twinkle in his eye, and with an exaggerated tone said, "One hundred yards! That's a long way!" Then he and Mom just busted up and of course my tough guy football bubble was burst, but it was so funny I started busting a gut as well.
I have never forgotten that moment in time and as I write this I can't help but smile. I'm sure Mom will remember that moment as well. Such stories are illustrative of the warmth which we feel, my siblings and I, when we think of Uncle Tom. I don't believe there was ever anything to dethrone him from his pedestal in our eyes - he was always the fun-loving uncle, yet his accomplishments spiritually, academically, and in the home seemed outstanding and exemplary. I know that my Uncle Tom had a testimony of the Living Christ, of his Gospel and mission, and of truth restored. I know he loved, honored and cherished his dear Carol (and later Katie) and his children. I have no doubt that he and Dad (Jack) are visiting the poor in spirit in prison who, as it says in D & C 76:73 "And also they who are the aspirits of men kept in bprison, whom the Son visited, and cpreached the dgospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;"...and they are healing them so they may be resurrected to the requisite glory.
Uncle Tom was beloved by all of us in the Jack Johnson family. Mom will certainly speak to this but she has said many times in the decade since Dad's passing that Tom was often a comfort, and was there for her to advise, comfort, and bolster her spirits. We are all grateful for Uncle Tom and I speak for all of us when I say we look forward to a glorious reunion with him in a holy place.
Greg Johnson
Mobile: 801-367-6955
Mobile: 801-367-6955
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