Jay Allen Johnson, age 62 of Lake Elmo, Minnesota; died September 18, 2021 at his residence following a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. Jay was born on October 1, 1958 in St. Paul, Minnesota; the son of Raymond and Joan (Cook) Johnson. He was raised in North St. Paul and Afton prior to graduating from Stillwater High School. He would meet and fall in love with his best friend and soul mate, Christian Adkins, and, on November 24, 1975, they shared their vows with each other. This union would be further blessed with three amazing daughters. As a young man, he learned the art of a good work ethic by working with his parents and siblings in their family owned and operated hardware store in St. Paul. Jay was an entrepreneur at heart and utilized his God-given talents in many ways. He left the hardware business to work as a general contractor specializing in remodeling and flipping houses. As an inventor, he helped develop two products that were later patented. Most recently he owned and operated his own concrete lifting and leveling business.
Jay lived out his faith through serving others. He took great pleasure in putzing around the yard or in his garage. Living on Lake Elmo, he found great peace in pontoon rides and hearing the grandkids laugh and play. Nothing brought his heart more warmth than seeing his family laugh and enjoy life to its fullest. The birds never went hungry, whether it be songbirds or the turkeys which found their way to the feeder. Over the years, his loyal dogs were always by his side as they always had to be part of what he was doing.
Jay will live on in the hearts of his wife Christian (Adkins); children Jessica (Nathan) Lund, Nicole (Stephen) Smitley, Nina Johnson (Hieu Le); grandchildren Declan, Finnley, Kade, Locryn; siblings Jim (Maryjane) Johnson, Jeff (Becca) Johnson, Julie (David) Denn; as well as his nieces and nephews. His parents Ray and Joan Johnson, granddaughter Hazel, and sister Jody all greeted him upon his entering the gates of heaven.
A celebration of Jay’s life is being privately held. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Halos Of The St. Croix Valley preferred. Celebration and Cremation services entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Homes.
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Month’s after Jay passed away, I found out about his passing. I owned rental property starting in 1977 and did business with Jay and Arcade Hardware until they closed. So, I knew him for about 25 years. I saw him several times a week to buy paint and fix-up supplies. We always had long conversations. He was the most knowledgeable handyman that I have ever met. I was always amazed at his skills and knowledge of construction. He was a very kind, polite and modest person. I think of him often.
Month’s after Jay passed away, I found out about his passing. I owned rental property starting in 1977 and did business with Jay and Arcade Hardware until they closed. So, I knew him for about 25 years. I saw him several times a week to buy paint and fix-up supplies. We always had long conversations. He was the most knowledgeable handyman that I have ever met. I was always amazed at his skills and knowledge of construction. He was a very kind, polite and modest person. I think of him often.