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Paratroopers never die, they just slip away

By 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs OfficeAugust 21, 2023

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

With our deepest sympathies we bid farewell to a former paratrooper and commanding general of the 82nd Airborne Division, Lt. Gen. James Johnson Jr. who passed away Aug. 18, 2023.

With a remarkable 33-years of service, Lt. Gen. Johnson held positions of prominence throughout his career to include commanding the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment from 1980 to 1983 and the 82nd Airborne Division from 1988 to 1991.

His contributions during his tenure as “All American 6” included leading the Division during Operation Golden Pheasant in Honduras, the combat jump into Panama for Operation Just Cause, and later deploying the Division once more to support Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm.

“Lt. Gen. Johnson's passion for military service runs deep within our legacy as we continue to live up to the same fighting spirit and live by his example,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. “We are grateful to Lt. Gen. Johnson for his service and for the impact he has left on the men and women whose lives he inspired throughout his truly exceptional career.”

Airborne, All The Way!