Barry Johnson

1943 - 2021

Johnson, Barry
The Reverend Dr. Barry L. Johnson answered the call to his Lords' side on May 29, 2021. Barry was a devoted servant of God, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Barry leaves a legacy of love to all those he encountered and to all those who were a part of the churches he served. His most often heard phrases were "you are a unique, unrepeatable miracle of God" and "you cannot mess up more than God can love you!". He was born on July 28, 1943 in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of James and Elizabeth Johnson who preceded him in death as did his brother Robert Johnson, sisters Marcy Barr and Bonnie Johnson. Barry graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in history and received his Masters of Divinity degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1968 and his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary. He served churches in the Chicago area from 1965 to1970, when he founded EURISKON, a church renewal ministry, leading seminars and preaching to over 500 churches of every major denomination. In 1975 he accepted the call as Sr. Minister at Shiloh Church in Dayton, Ohio where he helped establish Shiloh as a pioneer among mainline churches in the use of electronic communication. In 1982 he was called to serve as Sr. Minister of First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio where he remained for 10 years and in 1993 he accepted the call to serve as Sr. Minister at JupiterFirst Church, Jupiter, Fl. where he served until his retirement in 2017. Barry published seven books throughout his career and most recently created a website: thejoycontinues.com (the manner by which he closed all his correspondence) to make some of his past messages available for all to experience. Barry was a member of Turtle Creek Golf Club, Tequesta, Fl. where he thoroughly enjoyed the game of golf. His love for the game came early in life and on his golfing journey many of his most cherished friendships were formed. Barry is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Tracy Schutte (Chris), Durham, NC; son, Dane Johnson (Chrissy), Georgetown, TX; step-daughter; Megan Escamilla (Luis), Boca Raton, FL; step-son, Mitchell Riley (Dianne), Santa Cruz, CA. He is also survived by the mother of Tracy and Dane, Celeste Frost, Georgetown, TX; sister, Becky Tyler, Huntsville, AL; brother, Mark Johnson, Orlando, FL; and ten grandchildren whom he adored. A Celebration of Life will be held at JupiterFirst Church, 1475 Indian Creek Pkwy, Jupiter, FL. 33458 on June 19 at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Barry L. Johnson Memorial Fund at JupiterFirst Church.