Russell Eugene Johnson

Russell Eugene Johnson entered this life on December 4, 1959. The only son, and second of four children born to Jupe and LaDonna. A mischievous child, Russell was very hyper and always getting into something. As a young boy he enjoyed playing baseball, football, and going surfing. Russell attended MacArthur Elementary, Bancroft Junior High, and Lakewood High School (c/o ’78). He would often joke that he played football for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers.

After high school, Russell and his father owned and operated RJ’s Catering in Long Beach. He soon reunited with junior high classmate Linda Rota, and naturally embraced fatherhood with her young son Jeffery. Russell and Linda married in 1982, and continued to grow their family by welcoming a daughter, Reanna, and son, Jonathan. He was a very loving, proud and selfless father to all three children.

Russell coached football and baseball for his sons’ and grandchildren’s teams for over thirty-five years. He was a staple in the Lakewood community by coaching and mentoring hundreds of young athletes throughout his coaching career. Family vacations throughout the years always included several other friends and family members, as Russell always loved the extra company. He loved sports and children so much that he put a batting cage in his backyard allowing all the neighborhood kids to hit and practice, while driving his neighbors crazy in the process. He always made the kids laugh, spoiled them with treats, and brought the competitiveness and best out of each child he helped mentor and coach. The height of his coaching career was winning the 2003 Pony World Series with his son Jonathan and the Heartwell All-Stars.

Russell was a true Southern California native who liked to surf the beaches of San Clemente, participate in the Catalina Waterski Race, and even competed in off-road racing in the desert. He loved being outdoors and took his family on monthly trips to Lake Havasu during the summer, and snow skiing in the winter.  A jack of all trades, he knew everything about boating, fishing, tying knots, and what gear was needed in every sport to take his kids and grandchildren to the next level.

Russell found joy in his career in 1991 when he became a real estate agent. He excelled immediately, becoming rookie of the year and remained one of the top real estate performers for the remainder of his career. He remained successful by making the process as easy as possible for his clients, always going above and beyond what was customary. If you were lucky enough to know Rus“sell”, then you probably have a special memory, or generous act that he did for you. If you needed a ride at 2 AM, or a few extra bucks to get by, he made it happen, never asking for anything in return. He was always lending a helping hand for anyone and everyone he met.

Russell was overjoyed in 2009 when he became a grandfather for the first time. A couple years later in 2011, Russell met Shelley Martindale. They were married in 2016 and their family grew in love and size overnight. Russell and Shelley spent the next 8 years going on many vacations, coaching, spoiling their kids and grandkids, and made thousands of memories in the process. Russell spent all his free time bouncing from all the grandkids’ events. From baseball, soccer, dance, school events, and everything in between; making sure each grandchild felt special and loved by doing whatever he could for them.

Russell is preceded in death by his father Jupe Johnson. Russell is survived by his wife Shelley; children Jeff, Reanna Luyben (Patrick), Jonathan (Shelbie), Bonus daughters Jessica Smigla (James), Jennifer Dias (Jason), and Jamie Richey (Jesse); grandchildren David, Ella, Vada, Chloe, William, Cora, Odin, Jax, Easton, Tanner, Wesley, and Willow; mother LaDonna and stepfather Tom Jaso; and sisters Karen Marin (Tony), Lisa Schnabblegger, and Janet Diaz.

Please RSVP for the Reception at the link below

https://evite.me/W4wW2HYQ8e

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401