Jeffrey Scott Johnson

Jeff was born in Los Angeles in October 1961 to the parents Jerry and Joan Johnson, the oldest of four children. He spent his early childhood years in Fountain Valley. His family traveled frequently to the Sierra Nevada foothills, more specifically the town of Three Rivers. As his father neared retirement from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Johnson family purchased what is now the Lazy J Motel and relocated permanently to Three Rivers. This was Jeff’s happy place. He spent his youth swimming, fishing, water skiing, hiking and working at the Motel. This instilled a love for the outdoors and his adventurous spirit.

During highschool Jeff was active in student council, a 4 year varsity swimmer, and a Boy Scout reaching the highest rank of Eagle Scout. Jeff moved away from the Central Valley and attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 1981. He was an active member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity where he made lifelong friends that he and his family have gathered with annually for the last 40 years. After graduating with a degree in Business-Finance Jeff stayed on the Central Coast and began his career with Central Financial Services in 1985. A few years later Jeff planted his own flag and started what is now Johnson Wealth Management which has been in practice for over 35 years and is now continued by his son, Derek. Jeff continued his education throughout his career, earning several licenses and designations including Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Life Underwriter, Chartered Financial Consultant, just to name a few. He truly was proud of the work he did and cherished all of the relationships he developed with his clients over the years. Jeff was also very active in the community. He joined the Arroyo Grande Rotary club in 1988 and was an active member for 30+ years. While in Rotary, he was a part of many community service projects including funding and completion of the Rotary Bandstand, annual fish fry and held the office of President.

Jeff and his wife, Diana, are high school sweethearts and met their freshman year at Woodlake High School. Diana was attracted to Jeff’s playful personality, contagious smile, his love for life and caring nature. He was the friend everyone could count on. Jeff and Diana’s romance started their senior year when Jeff asked her to Prom. The romance continued, Jeff and Diana married in June of 1987 and began their life together in San Luis Obispo. They purchased their first home in Grover Beach before building a home in Arroyo Grande where they have lived for the last 30+ years. Jeff and Diana grew their family with their three children Jacqueline, Derek and Jennifer and have now welcomed 5 grandchildren.

Jeff was predeceased by his father Jerry and his mother Joan. He is survived by his wife Diana and their three children Jacqueline (Cody), Derek (Chantal) and Jennifer (John); grandkids Harrison, Beau, Lucy, Dakota and Henry; three younger siblings Jana (Tim), Jim (Karen), Julie and two sister in laws Donna (Alan) and Deborah (Ted). Jeff was loved dearly by his 14 nieces and nephews. The words “favorite uncle” came up often. He taught them to fish, snow and water ski, wakeboard, backpack in the wilderness and embrace life with a smile.

Jeff will forever be known for being a man of God, loving husband, devoted father, and wonderful friend. His quick wit, prankster personality, smile, and contagious laugh will forever be in our hearts. Jeff was one of a kind!

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