In Memory: Joseph Johnson, 1979-2008

 

The Filter family is very saddened to have recently lost one of our own, our dear friend Joseph Johnson.

Joe was a great friend, a creative soul, a genius marketing mind, an inspiring workmate, a wise and generous spirit, a seasoned traveller, a ukelele phenom and the life of many a party.

You will be so missed, Ricochet J, we imagined many more adventures were still yet to be shared, and we will be looking for solace in the myriad amazing stories and memories and the unique ways you touched so many of our hearts.

Our thoughts are with your family, Rachel and all your loved ones at this time.

If you have messages, stories or thoughts to share, please leave them in the comments.

 

 

 

 

   

 

Comments

[dingo]

Words cannot even describe... but we shared so many words and profound moments I know you know how much I adored you Joe. I remember the day I told you how blessed I felt to have you as my friend, that you were a shining golden thread weaving through the tapestry of my life here in LA, and your face lit up with a smile. I have many precious memories, and my heart will continue to sing your song.

[ewan]

I still can't quite believe it. I'll miss you buddy.

[Danielle]

It will probably never seem like you are actually gone. Maybe it will just be easier to imagine you on some new, continuing travels, where you'll be making an emotional imprint in the hearts of the people you meet wherever you go. It's so easy to be selfish; to lament the future you'll never get to have, the people you're leaving behind, and the fact that you'll never be around to give me advice and jokes, and even a chance to be with on our home island. I know where you are, and I can't wait to see you. I'm so glad the last words we shared were sincere, genuine, loving, and exactly like every other ounce of quality time I got to spend with you. That's the Joe you were and who I will always remember. From Ballerette to Baller, I love you and will miss my "big brother" more than words can say.

[Frances M. Lopez]

I am still in utter shock about all of this. I can still remember the first time I met Joseph while an intern at Filter the summer of 2005. He taught me so many things about the media world, college, and just how to deal with life in general. I was fortunate to keep in constant contact with Joseph through the years after I moved to Phoenix, AZ, but this is something I just did not expect. I am so thankful to have known such a beautiful and thoughtful human being and my sincere consoldences go out to everyone his life has touched, his family, and the entire Filter staff.

[Leslie]

Our common thread was our ability to find humor in the more "unique" facets of life, and really, finding humor and lightness in everything. Through meeting you I have learned to strive for and achieve successes seemingly beyond my capabilities, because you set such a great example for what one can achieve in life, and through honorable means and with a positive spirit. Through my work professionally and personally, I'll live to continue in your fine example and legacy. We'll always have our podcast, Scott Stapp Day, and of course, Mizar. On a more serious note, however, you have touched many with your light and love and that is the most precious gift.

[doug]

he was one of those people that every time you saw him, you wished you had more time to get to know him. ill remember him as one of the few people that could get me to rethink my views on an album that he was so passionate and articulate about. beyond music, joseph and i also shared an enthusiasm for teasing our pal penny ...and for a cheap jug of wine smuggled into a westwood eatery at 2am. you'll be missed.

[mursenary]

i remember the time i was really, really sad and you gave me this book called "the 100 simple secrets of happy people." it brought a smile to my face and did in fact make me happy. but no book can reverse the sadness i feel right now. i will miss you dearly.

[Shiv]

I logged on to the Filter blog to look at this week's soundscan info when I saw this entry and froze in front of the computer.

When WOXY first went internet-only, Filter mag was one of the first places I wanted to advertise in and Joseph became my contact there. I had the pleasure of talking to him frequently and then finally got to meet him in person at SXSW 2005.

While I hadn't been in touch with him for awhile, reading of his passing still hit me with a great sadness. Much love to his family and friends.

[Zach popham]

never to busy to teach the young intern always a conversation starter and a smooz machine . I hope one day to be as good as you at all you did. Youll be missed

[roxanne.]

This has really been a difficult week for all of us who have known Joe and been touched by his truly loving soul in so many different ways. Joe was one of my closest friends while I worked at Filter, and unfortunately, we just gradually lost touch over the last couple years, but my memories of him will always be great. He was such a brilliant mind and just a genuine and loving person all around. He was someone who would just listen when you needed someone to talk to, someone who would give you advice when you felt lost, someone who would call you just to say hello, and just be there for you as a friend. He just understood people and knew how to connect with each person around him in a very real, unique, and beautiful way. He taught me a lot about myself, and I will never forget that. This is truly a great loss for many, many people. We'll really miss you Joe.

Love Always,
Rox.

[elise]

all i can say is that i feel lucky to have known you in the first place and i'll always be glad for that.

xx

[Jesse Jensen]

As a member of the Filter Family and founder of the Bagavagabond Art Gang, i was introduced to Joe years ago. At the time the Bagavagabonds were attacking LA art with a vengence. We brought the Front Porch Players to Joe's doorstep, and pitched the idea of doing a FREE play in Joe's loft in downtown LA- strictly for artistic exercise and experience. No money. No special deal, no list, or hidden agenda. It was art for art sake. And Joe was extremely exited to invite this into his home. I will always be thankful for his gut support of art and inspired people. The Bagavagabond art gang will miss him dearly. We hope he is resting well. We send all of our LOVE. DO ART. ~Jesse

[steven]

i continue to be inspired by joe's year-long travels across north america in a van. surfing, blogging, reading, eating, loving and living. it's the type of adventure a lot of people talk about doing, but few accomplish, let alone with the zeal and style joe brought to it.

http://van-down-by-the-river.blogspot.com/

[naitze]

i'm absolutely floored. i couldn't help but look up to him. so creative and insightful. joe had the most interesting stories, the best advices and the kindest words for me, and i'm sure everyone else around him. such greatness is all too rare to come by.

[danielle]

Wow, a month. It still ebbs and flows. Right now it's flowing. I'm trying to remember the good things and times about you, Joseph, but all that's coming to mind is the void. I am so glad everything was laid to rest in Maui, and I'm so sad I couldn't be there with you. This is a selfish post. We still miss you... even if we sometimes forget.

[Liza's Eyeview]

I just recently found out about this post. My name is Liza and I also am fondly called "Joey's Blogger" (there's a story to this that I will one day post in the Johnson's Maui Ohana Blog)

In behalf of the Johnsons family, I just want to thank you guys for these loving and honoring post and comments. These meant so much to the Johnsons family (more than I can ever tell you). I have put a link to this on the Johnsons' blog. I thought I'd let you know:

http://johnsonsmauiohana.blogspot.com/

Joe will never be forgotten. Thank you for being a part of his life.

Liza
http://www.lizas-eyeview.com/

[Stephanie]

At Filter I was lucky to sit across from Joseph in my months there, years ago. His smile always warmed my heart and his generosity was infectious. Joseph was one of the most patient, gentle persons I've ever been lucky to cross paths with.

I think about you everyday, Joe. In our time spent together you inspired me to take up surfing and to be a more understanding, loving person. I truly believe you were a living angel. I will always carry you in my heart.

My love to Joe's family and his beautiful Rachel.

xo
ss

[Bill Kepler]

You folks from Filter have written such beautiful comments. You shed some light for me on a part of Joey (or Joseph, as you seem to call him) that I knew nothing about. I love it that you, too, saw the depth, the loving, the wonder of this guy. We on Maui will always miss him.

[Karen Johnson]

Joseph's dad and I just read the article in this month's Filter Magazine. It touched our hearts so much and we thank you for running it. He loved working at Filter, and thoroughly loved, enjoyed and respected the people he worked with.Many of you became important friends to him. We still can't believe he is gone, and miss him intensely. He was a joy to our family and adored by all who knew him. Thank you all for adding to the richness of his vibrant life. We look forward to the day when we will meet up with him again.

[Karen Johnson]

Joseph's mom here again. Just wanted to let people know that we have a facebook page devoted to Joseph's beautiful short life, called "Remembering Joseph Johnson". Please feel free to visit there and leave a comment.