I loved watching Johnie play for the Arizona Rattlers, sorry to see him traded to Chicago, Happy to see him return to the Rattlers then sad again to see him traded to the Sabercats. Always hoped he’d be back with the Rattlers! He will be forever missed! I guess God needed a new fullback. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless!
When I was 20 and a camp counselor, Johnie was in the 8th grade. On the last night some of the boys decided to have some fun and sneek out. In the 8th grade Johnie towered over everyone, including me! When I caught the group, the fear of God was in Johnie’s eyes and he looked like he was going to cry. He assessed the situation, smiled, and gave me a great big bear hug! Of course they got off the hook! You were one of a kind Johnie.
Peanut, Michele & I will always remember the last hug you gave us before leaving for SJ. How much it means now that we lost you physically, but in spirit, even with your great moves, you won’t be able to shake us. Rattlers family forever……..big john
Uncle Bill in Phoenix… When we first met you at our family gatherings, it was easy to see why our Jessica fell in live with you… A gentle giant that quickly made everyone feel so comfirtable and such a soft spoken person and always lit up the room with a smile. At my sons welcome home party from basic training, JJ was playing in the front room and going in and out my ole english bulldogs (harvey) doggie door….it was hysterical and you laughed and then picked up JJ with one hand like a little ball…. She was safe and secure and surely, you are still holding her from above in heaven Johnie! We love you and miss you
Aunt Debbie from Phoenix ……One of my favorite memories of Johnie is when he baked Jayde her birthday cake. It was just a little cake but so special because he had made it just for her and it was really good. We meet Johnnie the first time when we had the baby shower for Jessica, he was kind and attentive and knew then he would be a good dad. It was fun to have him come over , the boys all watching football, baseball or whatever sport in the living room and enjoying whatever holiday or event we will celebrating. He was a loving and caring person that we will all miss as part of our extended family and JJās father.
I have so many fun memories of Johnie… from old school days in God Works with his sisters… to my brother and him sneaking off together during Youth group and fun times doing ‘Change’ around Jackson. Johnie cared about everyone, he never would shy away from being a leader and someone that anyone, large, small, popular or not could depend on. I’ve followed his career and been nothing short of beaming proud to have known this amazing man! RIP Bubba… you were truly one of a kind!
RON AND BETTY BOTSFORD, JESSICA’S GANDPARENTS:
JOHNIE WAS A GREAT FATHER, SO LOVING AND KIND. HE TOOK WONDERFUL CARE OF JAYDE WHEN JESS WAS AT WORK OR SCHOOL. EVERYONE WILL MSS THIS GENTLE GIANT. HE HAS LEFT A LARGE VOID IN OUR HEARTS.
Johnie made such an impression on our entire family. Although we moved back to California, we would make every attempt to follow what Johnie was doing. He was truly one of a kind. A very respectful young man of his parents and his siblings. We may be sad for a season at our earthly loss, but we know that heaven has welcomed Johnie. We love you Kirton family….
I will always remember Johnie. When our family went to the same church in Seattle with yours, I had my baby shower with my second son at your house. I remember him being there in the background with the guys and entertaining the kids. Although we have all lost touch, the loss is still deeply felt by our family. He was a great inspiration to the community, which is a testament to what wonderful parents he had. I pray that God will give you comfort and peace as you grieve, and joy as you hold on to the promise that you will see him again one day.
Johnie will be deeply missed by the Russo family. Loved watching him play football. He was so full of life and so fun to be around. I admired how much he loved his family, and how much they loved him. I am thinking and praying for his family every day. With deepest sympathy.
As his 4th cousin, I only got to see him a handful of times in my life. All those time I remember and that just tells you how special he was. While playing for The Shock in Spokane, he got us tickets to come see him and it was a great night. I have a entire page in a scrap book of our night with him. My kids just watched with big eyes and my husband and stepdad loved getting to meet the Shock cheerleaders. I loved how he watched over his sisters and just loved his family so much. Our family lost a huge part of it, and will only be filled with memories, because no one could fill his place.
I recall him all of 250 pounds running down desmond bishop who had picked off a pass and was off for the endzone next thing i saw was 37 closing ground on him & caught him!!!! i just wished he got the chance to run with the ball for the huskies thats what hurts inside me the most he was also very talented i still hurt that he is not here but i got to here about him being a great teammate we need more like him…..thank you.
I was a teammate of your sons for two years at UW in 2004-2005. In that time that I knew him he had a great impact on me. His spirit and personality united our team and he always made a positive impact with everyone around him. He was one of those guys that made you smile and brought joy into the room. When I heard of his passing it really shook me up because it felt like a light had been taken from this world. He was always one of my favorite guys and I will miss him dearly. My condolences and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always.
We have lots of memories of Bubba when he was being recruited and after he was a Dawg! He was definitely a fan-favorite on Realdawg and we adored that big bear! I loved the pics that we had of him after the Huskies went down and beat Arizona and he was mugging for the camera for Greg…I still have all those photos. Johnie always greeted me with a big bear hug when I’d see him at practice or games, big sweaty hugs š He was just a jewel and my heart is hurting thinking of him being gone — but what a wonderful young man. He was so inspired after getting back from Africa and that trip seemed to change a lot of his perspective on everything. Then there was the dog questions I got from him when he’d be hanging around the dub with his pooch…he talked to me about dealing with his pup because I’d told him I was a dog trainer. I speak for everyone on Realdawg when I say that he’s one of those people that just made you smile and realize that it’s okay to just be yourself and not put on any pretenses. Johnie was just..well Bubba! His smile could light up a room, serious one second, goofy as heck the next! We loved him and Heather — you are SO in my prayers. Try to keep on keepin’ on. My heart aches for you but I know you’re a tough lady and you have a terrific family support system. Please know that there’s a higher purpose, even though that’s hard to imagine right now, but you’ll see your boy again — I promise you that š
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned back and left it all.
I could not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys—
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorry.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee—
God wanted me now, he set me free.
Johnie was more then just my running back and my tight end. He was my Friend, my mentee and my inspiration. Oh and don’t forget one of the funniest guys on the planet. He was a man whom was battle tested and knew what it really meant to persevere. Never Scared, Never Backed down from a Challenge. That’s the Johnie I know, that’s the Johnie I love and that’s the Johnie that will forever live in my heart.
You will forever and always be my little brother from another mother. I am so greatful for the time we had together. Though I was only with you one year at the DUB, it felt as if we had known eachother our entire lives. Your spirit for life is something that I will carry with me forever; along with your big smile, your raspy laugh and your Barry White like tone.
I know we didn’t get to see eachother much after I left UW, but I always made sure I checked up on you whenever I saw your mom and dad. I miss you bro, but I know your sitting on your throne up there in Heaven chopping it up with the big man. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Love you bro !!!!!
I still do not want to believe that I am no longer gonna see Johnie’s smile again. I have known him since elementary school and his bigger that life presence has always been such a strong influence in not only mine, but any person’s life he has come in contact with. Johnie will be loved always, and no one will ever forget what he meant to all of us individually. See you when my time comes Bubba.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Johnie. Matter of fact, I did not know who he was until he came to the Bay Area as a Sabercat. Watching the sideshow I am in pure awe of the love between this family. The expressions on his face shows how much God blessed him with solid love. I pray that God gives you all strength…faith that could move mountains and understanding. Please have solace in knowing that where he is at is paradise…and if he was given an option to come back to Earth, I’m sure he would decline. Being absent n the body means being present with the Lord in spirit. Blessings to u all.
We were so blessed to know Johnie when he was in High School….such a decent, wonderful guy….our family loved him….we will be praying for all of the Kirton’s during this painful time….Lyle & Linda Wilson
As his freshman high school coach I was amazed by his size on our first practice day…. by the end of the year it was the size of his smile and good heart that was more amazing. I didn’t know a kid in school or coach that wasn’t his friend. As a coach you wish for kids like him every year, but there were only a very rare few that could ever measure up to Johnie both on and off the field. RIP
Our thoughts and prayers have been with the Kirton family every day. We grew up watching Johnie as we gradually saw our own children attend Jackson HS. He was a man amongst boys and everytime we watched him carry the ball, you wondered how many guys he’d run over. Then to see him interact outside of football, he truly was a gentle giant. To his parents, what a wonderful man you raised. To his sisters, we trust you will lean on each other during this time. It was indeed a blessing to have known your brother.
Hah, I’m smiling just thinking about this. Probably one of my favorite memories of Bubba. But I remember being in class with Johnie and I had brought an entire box of Mike and Ike’s to help pass the time in class while we were in lecture. I also had class with Big Fris and we always sat together at the same table, each and every day we had class. Only this time, I remember Johnie had came in late and so he was forced to sit about forty feet from Jordan and I. After hearing the rattling of the Mike and Ike’s, Johnie turns to me while the teacher is writing something on the wall and immidiately points to his mouth with his huge smile as he also tele-communicated with me that he wanted me to throw them into his mouth. So for the next forty minutes of class whenever the teacher turned her back to us to write on the board, Jordan and I would throw Mike and Ike’s at Johnie across the entire room. Amazingly, he caught every single one into his mouth, even with the bad throws that went far and wide, short, to the left, it didn’t matter. After we got out of class, Jordan and I asked him how he was able to catch all the candies with just his mouth. He smiles back with that Johnie smile we all know, and proudly says, “Man, all that football make your eye-mouth coordination real good.” We did one more test, where we went across the street and threw some more Mike and Ike’s where he still caught them all with his mouth. I had one more Mike and Ike and we bet lunch on whether he’d catch it or not. Of course, Johnie catches the last one I intentionally overthrew because I was hungry that day, he even lept off the pavement to catch it. Absolutely amazing. Due to classes, he had to get running and he told me to get him his lunch another day. I never got the opportunity to buy him lunch, even though that was during our Freshman year in 04′. It’s one of the things I regret the most, and Johnie, I know you’re reading this, probably cracking up with a tear in your eye because that was such an awesome day. I still owe you lunch brother, and I want you to hold me to it the next time we meet. I miss you a ton brother. Watch over us, you left us far too soon. I love you man.
Bob, Linda, Sarah, Jessica, Jayde and Johnie would come to my home either Christmas or thanksgiving & he would walk in with a big devilish grin, a hug and a “hi Aunt Patsy”, which he knew was not my favorite name!! Last Christmas after our big dinner he was in the kitchen with all the women doing dishes, cleaning up & he alone washed every single dish! We were all talking, laughing, had such a good time and he was right there with us. That was such a good memory and what I think of when I remember Johnie. I remember my precious Great Niece Jayde climbing all over him & her “Daddy Daddy” & Johnie responding to whatever she wanted, holding, feeding, tossing her around, diapers, milk, juice, hugging etc. He would have been a very protective, loving Father as she grew up & OH BOY the boys would have been on their best behaviour with her!
This is a terrible loss & I feel so bad for the Kirton and Brown family but especially for Jayde who will not know her Father as she grows up. So so sad.
I just recently got the pleasure of meeting and talking with Johnie. He seemed so intellectual and smart, as we talked and laughed about just life. I was really sadden to hear the news of his passing. You know when you just meet someone and they have an impact on you and you will always remember them. Well that is what he imprinted on me for just that short moment of meeting him. Rest in Paradise Johnie
I had the opportunity of blocking for JK while we played for Chicago Rush, we became very good friends, he could have the whole team laughing with his every day personality. He always talked about his daughter and family you could tell he loved them dearly. Ill never forget some of the times me and jk shared on that turf together, or the jokes we had about each others fraternity . He will be missed, my condolences to the family you all are in my prayers!!!
To Johnie’s family,
My family just found out about him. We are very sad to hear the news. My son went to Jackson HS together with him although there were several years between them. My son was a freshman when Johnie was a Senior. We loved to watch him play football, even my dad took a real shine to him and often went to the games with my son just to watch Johnie play. I was impressed with Johnie he treated even the younger kids at school great. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless.
The Wright family.
I remember he was always friendly with fans while here with the Chicago Rush. I remember after 1 game when he was limping noticibly, when a fan asked if he was ok he responded with “nothing a few brewskies wont fix”.
Johnie was never in a bad mood, always lit up every room is was present in. Another friend, brother, cousin, father, son has come and gone. His memory will never fade. He never wasted a day in his life, always dedicated and disciplined to making his life better and influencing others to do the same. We miss you Bubba!
In Memory of Johnie Kirton 1986 - 2012 
I loved watching Johnie play for the Arizona Rattlers, sorry to see him traded to Chicago, Happy to see him return to the Rattlers then sad again to see him traded to the Sabercats. Always hoped he’d be back with the Rattlers! He will be forever missed! I guess God needed a new fullback. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. God Bless!
When I was 20 and a camp counselor, Johnie was in the 8th grade. On the last night some of the boys decided to have some fun and sneek out. In the 8th grade Johnie towered over everyone, including me! When I caught the group, the fear of God was in Johnie’s eyes and he looked like he was going to cry. He assessed the situation, smiled, and gave me a great big bear hug! Of course they got off the hook! You were one of a kind Johnie.
Peanut, Michele & I will always remember the last hug you gave us before leaving for SJ. How much it means now that we lost you physically, but in spirit, even with your great moves, you won’t be able to shake us. Rattlers family forever……..big john
Uncle Bill in Phoenix… When we first met you at our family gatherings, it was easy to see why our Jessica fell in live with you… A gentle giant that quickly made everyone feel so comfirtable and such a soft spoken person and always lit up the room with a smile. At my sons welcome home party from basic training, JJ was playing in the front room and going in and out my ole english bulldogs (harvey) doggie door….it was hysterical and you laughed and then picked up JJ with one hand like a little ball…. She was safe and secure and surely, you are still holding her from above in heaven Johnie! We love you and miss you
Aunt Debbie from Phoenix ……One of my favorite memories of Johnie is when he baked Jayde her birthday cake. It was just a little cake but so special because he had made it just for her and it was really good. We meet Johnnie the first time when we had the baby shower for Jessica, he was kind and attentive and knew then he would be a good dad. It was fun to have him come over , the boys all watching football, baseball or whatever sport in the living room and enjoying whatever holiday or event we will celebrating. He was a loving and caring person that we will all miss as part of our extended family and JJās father.
I have so many fun memories of Johnie… from old school days in God Works with his sisters… to my brother and him sneaking off together during Youth group and fun times doing ‘Change’ around Jackson. Johnie cared about everyone, he never would shy away from being a leader and someone that anyone, large, small, popular or not could depend on. I’ve followed his career and been nothing short of beaming proud to have known this amazing man! RIP Bubba… you were truly one of a kind!
July 10, 2012
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kirton,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your son. My family and I will keep your family in our prayers. May God Bless you always.
Sincerely,
Vanessa, Aissa and Mrs. Margaret Thompson from 158 Street in Jamaica, New York.
RON AND BETTY BOTSFORD, JESSICA’S GANDPARENTS:
JOHNIE WAS A GREAT FATHER, SO LOVING AND KIND. HE TOOK WONDERFUL CARE OF JAYDE WHEN JESS WAS AT WORK OR SCHOOL. EVERYONE WILL MSS THIS GENTLE GIANT. HE HAS LEFT A LARGE VOID IN OUR HEARTS.
Johnie made such an impression on our entire family. Although we moved back to California, we would make every attempt to follow what Johnie was doing. He was truly one of a kind. A very respectful young man of his parents and his siblings. We may be sad for a season at our earthly loss, but we know that heaven has welcomed Johnie. We love you Kirton family….
I will always remember Johnie. When our family went to the same church in Seattle with yours, I had my baby shower with my second son at your house. I remember him being there in the background with the guys and entertaining the kids. Although we have all lost touch, the loss is still deeply felt by our family. He was a great inspiration to the community, which is a testament to what wonderful parents he had. I pray that God will give you comfort and peace as you grieve, and joy as you hold on to the promise that you will see him again one day.
Johnie will be deeply missed by the Russo family. Loved watching him play football. He was so full of life and so fun to be around. I admired how much he loved his family, and how much they loved him. I am thinking and praying for his family every day. With deepest sympathy.
As his 4th cousin, I only got to see him a handful of times in my life. All those time I remember and that just tells you how special he was. While playing for The Shock in Spokane, he got us tickets to come see him and it was a great night. I have a entire page in a scrap book of our night with him. My kids just watched with big eyes and my husband and stepdad loved getting to meet the Shock cheerleaders. I loved how he watched over his sisters and just loved his family so much. Our family lost a huge part of it, and will only be filled with memories, because no one could fill his place.
I recall him all of 250 pounds running down desmond bishop who had picked off a pass and was off for the endzone next thing i saw was 37 closing ground on him & caught him!!!! i just wished he got the chance to run with the ball for the huskies thats what hurts inside me the most he was also very talented i still hurt that he is not here but i got to here about him being a great teammate we need more like him…..thank you.
Dear Mr and Mrs Kirton:
I was a teammate of your sons for two years at UW in 2004-2005. In that time that I knew him he had a great impact on me. His spirit and personality united our team and he always made a positive impact with everyone around him. He was one of those guys that made you smile and brought joy into the room. When I heard of his passing it really shook me up because it felt like a light had been taken from this world. He was always one of my favorite guys and I will miss him dearly. My condolences and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always.
Deepest sympathies,
Brad Vanneman
We have lots of memories of Bubba when he was being recruited and after he was a Dawg! He was definitely a fan-favorite on Realdawg and we adored that big bear! I loved the pics that we had of him after the Huskies went down and beat Arizona and he was mugging for the camera for Greg…I still have all those photos. Johnie always greeted me with a big bear hug when I’d see him at practice or games, big sweaty hugs š He was just a jewel and my heart is hurting thinking of him being gone — but what a wonderful young man. He was so inspired after getting back from Africa and that trip seemed to change a lot of his perspective on everything. Then there was the dog questions I got from him when he’d be hanging around the dub with his pooch…he talked to me about dealing with his pup because I’d told him I was a dog trainer. I speak for everyone on Realdawg when I say that he’s one of those people that just made you smile and realize that it’s okay to just be yourself and not put on any pretenses. Johnie was just..well Bubba! His smile could light up a room, serious one second, goofy as heck the next! We loved him and Heather — you are SO in my prayers. Try to keep on keepin’ on. My heart aches for you but I know you’re a tough lady and you have a terrific family support system. Please know that there’s a higher purpose, even though that’s hard to imagine right now, but you’ll see your boy again — I promise you that š
Much love,
Ruth Robbins
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took his hand when I heard his call.
I turned back and left it all.
I could not stay another day.
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys—
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorry.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and peace to thee—
God wanted me now, he set me free.
Author Unknown
Johnie was more then just my running back and my tight end. He was my Friend, my mentee and my inspiration. Oh and don’t forget one of the funniest guys on the planet. He was a man whom was battle tested and knew what it really meant to persevere. Never Scared, Never Backed down from a Challenge. That’s the Johnie I know, that’s the Johnie I love and that’s the Johnie that will forever live in my heart.
Johnie-
You will forever and always be my little brother from another mother. I am so greatful for the time we had together. Though I was only with you one year at the DUB, it felt as if we had known eachother our entire lives. Your spirit for life is something that I will carry with me forever; along with your big smile, your raspy laugh and your Barry White like tone.
I know we didn’t get to see eachother much after I left UW, but I always made sure I checked up on you whenever I saw your mom and dad. I miss you bro, but I know your sitting on your throne up there in Heaven chopping it up with the big man. You will be missed, but never forgotten. Love you bro !!!!!
My friend, My brother always and forever!!!!
Say Who, Say What…..
ZT
I still do not want to believe that I am no longer gonna see Johnie’s smile again. I have known him since elementary school and his bigger that life presence has always been such a strong influence in not only mine, but any person’s life he has come in contact with. Johnie will be loved always, and no one will ever forget what he meant to all of us individually. See you when my time comes Bubba.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Johnie. Matter of fact, I did not know who he was until he came to the Bay Area as a Sabercat. Watching the sideshow I am in pure awe of the love between this family. The expressions on his face shows how much God blessed him with solid love. I pray that God gives you all strength…faith that could move mountains and understanding. Please have solace in knowing that where he is at is paradise…and if he was given an option to come back to Earth, I’m sure he would decline. Being absent n the body means being present with the Lord in spirit. Blessings to u all.
We were so blessed to know Johnie when he was in High School….such a decent, wonderful guy….our family loved him….we will be praying for all of the Kirton’s during this painful time….Lyle & Linda Wilson
As his freshman high school coach I was amazed by his size on our first practice day…. by the end of the year it was the size of his smile and good heart that was more amazing. I didn’t know a kid in school or coach that wasn’t his friend. As a coach you wish for kids like him every year, but there were only a very rare few that could ever measure up to Johnie both on and off the field. RIP
Our thoughts and prayers have been with the Kirton family every day. We grew up watching Johnie as we gradually saw our own children attend Jackson HS. He was a man amongst boys and everytime we watched him carry the ball, you wondered how many guys he’d run over. Then to see him interact outside of football, he truly was a gentle giant. To his parents, what a wonderful man you raised. To his sisters, we trust you will lean on each other during this time. It was indeed a blessing to have known your brother.
Jeremiah 29:11
Kevin, Jodi, Ashley, Ryan and Jason Todd
Hah, I’m smiling just thinking about this. Probably one of my favorite memories of Bubba. But I remember being in class with Johnie and I had brought an entire box of Mike and Ike’s to help pass the time in class while we were in lecture. I also had class with Big Fris and we always sat together at the same table, each and every day we had class. Only this time, I remember Johnie had came in late and so he was forced to sit about forty feet from Jordan and I. After hearing the rattling of the Mike and Ike’s, Johnie turns to me while the teacher is writing something on the wall and immidiately points to his mouth with his huge smile as he also tele-communicated with me that he wanted me to throw them into his mouth. So for the next forty minutes of class whenever the teacher turned her back to us to write on the board, Jordan and I would throw Mike and Ike’s at Johnie across the entire room. Amazingly, he caught every single one into his mouth, even with the bad throws that went far and wide, short, to the left, it didn’t matter. After we got out of class, Jordan and I asked him how he was able to catch all the candies with just his mouth. He smiles back with that Johnie smile we all know, and proudly says, “Man, all that football make your eye-mouth coordination real good.” We did one more test, where we went across the street and threw some more Mike and Ike’s where he still caught them all with his mouth. I had one more Mike and Ike and we bet lunch on whether he’d catch it or not. Of course, Johnie catches the last one I intentionally overthrew because I was hungry that day, he even lept off the pavement to catch it. Absolutely amazing. Due to classes, he had to get running and he told me to get him his lunch another day. I never got the opportunity to buy him lunch, even though that was during our Freshman year in 04′. It’s one of the things I regret the most, and Johnie, I know you’re reading this, probably cracking up with a tear in your eye because that was such an awesome day. I still owe you lunch brother, and I want you to hold me to it the next time we meet. I miss you a ton brother. Watch over us, you left us far too soon. I love you man.
“Aunt Patsy” Oceanside, Ca.
Bob, Linda, Sarah, Jessica, Jayde and Johnie would come to my home either Christmas or thanksgiving & he would walk in with a big devilish grin, a hug and a “hi Aunt Patsy”, which he knew was not my favorite name!! Last Christmas after our big dinner he was in the kitchen with all the women doing dishes, cleaning up & he alone washed every single dish! We were all talking, laughing, had such a good time and he was right there with us. That was such a good memory and what I think of when I remember Johnie. I remember my precious Great Niece Jayde climbing all over him & her “Daddy Daddy” & Johnie responding to whatever she wanted, holding, feeding, tossing her around, diapers, milk, juice, hugging etc. He would have been a very protective, loving Father as she grew up & OH BOY the boys would have been on their best behaviour with her!
This is a terrible loss & I feel so bad for the Kirton and Brown family but especially for Jayde who will not know her Father as she grows up. So so sad.
I just recently got the pleasure of meeting and talking with Johnie. He seemed so intellectual and smart, as we talked and laughed about just life. I was really sadden to hear the news of his passing. You know when you just meet someone and they have an impact on you and you will always remember them. Well that is what he imprinted on me for just that short moment of meeting him. Rest in Paradise Johnie
I had the opportunity of blocking for JK while we played for Chicago Rush, we became very good friends, he could have the whole team laughing with his every day personality. He always talked about his daughter and family you could tell he loved them dearly. Ill never forget some of the times me and jk shared on that turf together, or the jokes we had about each others fraternity . He will be missed, my condolences to the family you all are in my prayers!!!
Vincent 6’7 Vance
To Johnie’s family,
My family just found out about him. We are very sad to hear the news. My son went to Jackson HS together with him although there were several years between them. My son was a freshman when Johnie was a Senior. We loved to watch him play football, even my dad took a real shine to him and often went to the games with my son just to watch Johnie play. I was impressed with Johnie he treated even the younger kids at school great. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless.
The Wright family.
I remember he was always friendly with fans while here with the Chicago Rush. I remember after 1 game when he was limping noticibly, when a fan asked if he was ok he responded with “nothing a few brewskies wont fix”.
Johnie was never in a bad mood, always lit up every room is was present in. Another friend, brother, cousin, father, son has come and gone. His memory will never fade. He never wasted a day in his life, always dedicated and disciplined to making his life better and influencing others to do the same. We miss you Bubba!