James A. Johnson (Katherine Johnson’s Husband) Wiki, Biography, Children, Age, Cause of Death, Obituary, Family and more, James A. Johnson was the husband of Katherine Johnson, the renowned African-American mathematician who played a pivotal role in the early years of NASA’s space program. James A. Johnson was a well-respected figure in his own right, with a long and distinguished career in the fields of law, finance, and politics.
Born in 1943 in Benson, Minnesota, James A. Johnson went on to study at the University of Iowa and Harvard Law School. He worked as a trial lawyer and a lobbyist before moving into the world of finance, where he became one of the most powerful figures on Wall Street. He served as the CEO of Fannie Mae from 1991 to 1998, and was a key player in the Clinton administration’s efforts to expand access to affordable housing.
Throughout his career, James A. Johnson remained committed to public service and philanthropy. He served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations, including the Brookings Institution, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Council on Foreign Relations. He was also a major donor to the Democratic Party, and played a key role in Barack Obama’s successful presidential campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
Biography
Early Life and Education
James A. Johnson was born on December 3, 1944, in Benson, Minnesota, USA. He grew up in a small town and attended the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1966. Johnson went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1969.
Marriage to Katherine Johnson
In 1959, James A. Johnson married Katherine Johnson, a renowned mathematician and physicist who worked for NASA. They were married for 60 years until Katherine’s death in 2020. The couple had two daughters together, Joylette and Katherine, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Career and Contributions
James A. Johnson had a long and successful career in politics and finance. He served as a staff assistant to Vice President Hubert Humphrey from 1966 to 1969 and as executive assistant to Walter Mondale from 1977 to 1981. He also served as chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae from 1991 to 1998 and as chairman of the board of directors of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from 1996 to 2004.
In addition to his political and financial accomplishments, James A. Johnson was also a philanthropist and supporter of the arts. He served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Brookings Institution, the Council on Foreign Relations, and the Smithsonian Institution. He was also a trustee of the University of Minnesota Foundation and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
James A. Johnson passed away on February 16, 2024, at the age of 79. He is survived by his two daughters, Joylette and Katherine, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Legacy
James A. Johnson’s legacy is one of service, sacrifice, and dedication to family and community. He was a man who overcame many obstacles and hardships, and made the best of his opportunities. Throughout his life, he remained humble and gracious, never seeking fame or glory, but only wanting to serve his country, his community, and his family.
Children and Family
James A. Johnson was married to Katherine Johnson, the famous NASA mathematician, for 57 years until her death in 2020. Together, they had two daughters, Joylette and Katherine, and one son, James Jr. In addition to his children, James A. Johnson is survived by six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
Cause of Death
James A. Johnson passed away on March 24, 2019, at the age of 98. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Tributes and Obituary
Following James A. Johnson’s passing, tributes poured in from around the world. His obituary highlighted his many accomplishments and contributions to society, including his service in the United States Air Force during World War II, his work as a professor at Hampton University, and his dedication to his family and community.
In addition to his obituary, many news outlets and organizations paid tribute to James A. Johnson’s life and legacy. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released a statement honoring his contributions to the space program and his support of his wife’s work as a mathematician. The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, of which James A. Johnson was a member, also paid tribute to his life and service.
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