Takedown Report

James ‘JJ’ Johnson was one of a kind

By Craig Sesker, InterMat Senior Writer
James Johnson had a larger-than-life presence. And a personality to match.

James Johnson coaching Ben Provisor at the 2012 Olympics (Photo/John Sachs)A strong, towering man who looked more like a basketball player than a wrestler, Johnson could light up a room with his infectious laugh, outgoing demeanor and ever-present smile. Known affectionately around the world as JJ, he impacted the sport of Greco-Roman wrestling as an athlete and a coach for the past four decades.

He competed in and coached in the most prestigious events on the planet. And enjoyed more than his share of success. It was shocking to hear late Sunday night that JJ had passed away. He was just 61 years old. He had reportedly undergone an emergency appendectomy at the Junior World Championships in Estonia last month and had been battling an infection after returning home to Phoenix. As you can imagine, social media was flooded with tributes to JJ on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on Sunday night and Monday morning. He was a beloved man who had a positive impact on people of all ages. JJ could talk to anybody about anything. He loved wrestling, loved his family and loved life. JJ wrestled at the University of Kentucky where he was an NCAA qualifier. He was recently inducted into the athletic hall of fame at his alma mater. Rest of the story at http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/22318?mc_cid=98b1387d98&mc_eid=2ef7cbca4b

September 10, 2019 - Posted by The TakeDown Report | Uncategorized