Jack R Johnson

Jack R. Johnson, 76, of Duanesburg, NY, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away on April 1st, 2021 after a long battle with ALS.

Jack was born in Schenectady, NY on September 2nd, 1944 to the late Roland and Yolanda (Canto) Johnson. After finishing his education at Draper High School, Jack joined the army in 1962, and proudly served until 1965.

In 1973, working as a mechanic and racing part-time, Jack decided it was time to pursue a full-time career in stock car racing, a love of the sport that started as a young boy racing go-carts and attending races where his father Rollie competed. That passion and love of racing, spanning over forty years, turned him into the man many know and love as Jumpin Jack Johnson. A humble man, who won hundreds of races throughout the many states he competed in, and held multiple track championships at various tracks, when asked what his biggest accomplishment was, would say that it was the love and loyalty he earned from his fans; connecting with them, making an impact on them, knowing that without them he couldn’t have accomplished what he or other race car drivers did. Jack’s warm, kind, and friendly demeanor, his iconic 12A, will live in the hearts of many for years to come.

Jack is survived by his wife of 26 years, Cristina, daughter Cheryl (A.L.) Cockerham of W. Monroe, LA, son Ronnie (Shelley) Johnson of Duanesburg, NY, daughter Natalie (Andy) Bachetti of Sheffield, MA, step-children Marcella (Shane) Gallagher of N. Charleston, SC, and Francesco (Angela) Bevivino of Round Lake, NY., a sister Linda (Ed) Staroba of Rotterdam, NY, a brother Jeff (Barbara) Johnson of Rotterdam, NY, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was pre-deceased by his daughter Lori Jones, brother Joe Johnson, father-in-law Butch Chandler and mother-in-law Nancy Chandler, best friend Jo Jo Desarbo, and step-son Jackie Idec.

Cristina wishes to thank the many wonderful women that helped her to care for her beloved husband throughout the years, more recently, her sister Carrie, friends Gerri, Shaunda, Kalynn, Sisi, Donasia, Erika, Lori, Melissa, Shoba and Anita. She would also like to thank the compassionate doctors and staff at the Albany VA, with a special thanks to Dr. Fellegi, Sheryl Fowler, and the entire staff on the ICU.

Funeral Services for Jack will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements are by the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jack’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Peter’s Regional ALS Center.