Thomas "TJ" Johnson, 71, passed away July 19, 2021 at his home in Greeley.

Tom graduated from Alameda High School in 1967 and Metropolitan State College in 1972. During his time at Metro, he took a year off and volunteered with AmeriCorps Vista. He was assigned to Glade Creek, WV where he worked with the community leaders in assisting the citizens in becoming involved with projects throughout the area. Tom then went back to Denver and graduated from Metro with a Bachelor of Arts. He was a substitute teacher in Denver for the 1972 school year and was then hired by Alameda High School in Lakewood starting in 1973 to teach History, Government and a special program for students with learning disabilities.

While at Alameda he coached wrestling and the girl's tennis team. During his time at Alameda, he and fellow teacher Rick Bath drove to UNC in Greeley a few days a week to get their Master's Degree which they received in 1977. In 1983 Tom was hired to teach at Columbine High School in Littleton where he stayed until he retired in 2003. While at Columbine he taught Psychology, Political Science and History. He coached the girl's tennis team and was the scorekeeper for the girls' softball team.

Tom thought the world of his students and they accepted him and his hippie ways. He had long hair which normally was in a pony tail and he loved to wear tie dye t shirts. He loved baseball, cooking and his German Shepherd Sadi.

Tom is survived by his wife Connie Newlin, daughter Melissa Johnson of Denver and step sons John (Cheri) DeWitt and Michael (Denise) DeWitt of Greeley; grandchildren Elizabeth, Blake, Lilly , Stephanie, Joshua and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Jim of Las Vegas and Dan of Denver.

We would like to thank the wonderful people of Pathways Hospice in Loveland for their care. No service will be held. Donations in Tom's name can be made to The Frank DeAngelis Columbine Academic Foundation, P. O. Box 620816, Littleton, CO 80162-0816 or The Frank DeAngelis Columbine Academic Foundation