With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of Dr. John David Johnson, who passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born on Sept. 14, 1938, in Stanford, California, he moved to Indiana shortly thereafter and was raised in a community that helped shape his lifelong values of humility, kindness and service. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School before attending Wabash College. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Jane) Grider, beginning a loving partnership that would span more than six decades. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, adventure and unwavering support for one another.
After earning his medical degree from Stanford University School of Medicine, he devoted his career to caring for the smallest and most vulnerable patients. During this time, he and Jane welcomed their three children: Todd in 1963, Tim in 1965, and Kelly in 1967. He completed his pediatric residency at John’s Hopkins Hospital, followed by a fellowship in Neonatology at Stanford, where he later served on the medical staff.
In 1979, he and his family relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he joined the faculty at the University of New Mexico. His commitment to advancing pediatric and neonatal medicine earned him the respect of colleagues throughout the country. He served as Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at UNM from 1987 to 1992. He was also honored to serve as President of the Society for Pediatric Research from 1983 to 1984 and President of the Western Society for Pediatric Research from 1985 to 1986. Though he received many professional honors, he remained a humble physician who believed his greatest privilege was caring for and mentoring the next generation of physicians.
He retired at the age of 60, embracing the pursuits that brought him joy. An avid fly fisherman, he enjoyed fishing rivers across the United States and around the world. His favorite waters were those of New Zealand and Colorado’s South Platte River. He also enjoyed golf and treasured traveling with Jane, creating memories together wherever their journeys took them.
Above all else, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His quiet wisdom, gentle spirit, generous heart and steady presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Jane. He is survived by sons, Todd (Shelly) and Tim; daughter Kelly Padilla (Angelo); five grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and former patients whose lives were touched by his compassion and kindness.
In accordance with his wishes, he was cremated. A celebration of life will be held in October, with details to be shared with family and friends.
His legacy lives on not only through the lives he helped save, but through the love he gave so freely to his family, friends, students and patients. He will be remembered with gratitude, love and admiration always.
