Born: Saturday Jul-10-1943
Died: Sunday Nov-24-2024
Funeral: Wednesday Nov-27-2024

Morrison Funeral Home
& Crematory
188 S. Hwy 24
Rupert, Idaho 83350
Contact and Directions

Terry Win "TJ" Johnson, 81, born July 10, 1943, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 24, 2024. Born to Win and Carol Johnson, TJ carried his parents’ legacy of love and service throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Johnson and his three daughters, Tera Craner (Don), Kristi Trisko (Kevin), and Lori Poppleton (Kyle). He was a devoted father and husband.

TJ was known for his generosity and warm, easy-going personality. He was a devoted man of God whose faith and Christ-like temperament was a model for his community. 

His friends knew him as a beloved high school teacher, coach of 42 years, gardener, and powdered donut enthusiast. His slapstick sense of humor and rambunctious storytelling will be remembered by all who knew him.

A viewing for Terry will be held at Morrison Funeral Home, 188 South Highway 24 in Rupert on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.  A graveside dedication will follow the viewing at Paul Cemetery. A celebration of his life will take place in the summer of 2025.

Terry's memory will forever be cherished by his wife, daughters, grand and great grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Condolences:

My deepest condolences. He was one of my favorite teachers at Minico High School. His psychology class was always creative and interesting. He was a great assistant coach too. Joe Sanders

I was privileged to have worked with TJ at Minico. He was a great teacher who inspired students to do their best, and they knew he cared about them. His classes filled up fast. His legacy carries on with those students and family left behind. Sanie Baker

Jeanne and family,

Sorry to hear that Terry passed. He was a good friend and I enjoyed being around him. My first contact with Terry was in Junior High School at West Minico. He was teaching and coaching at the time and taught life-learning skills that has helped many along life’s journey.
We only wish we could be there at the funeral services but will plan on seeing you next March after our mission. Laura and I express our sincere condolences and pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and give you and your family peace as you mourn at this time. Neil Harper

Absolutely my favorite teacher and coach, i loved it when he showed up as a “bouncer” for one of our class reunions. His was one class i looked forward to-his face lighting up when talking about his favorite hamburger the “hubby chubby”. It didn’t take much to prime him to share trucking stories. Rest easy coach, i know you are a man of God-you’ve planted many seeds. Thank you for being in my life. Todd Sanders

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jennie Koch

I was fortunate to Have Coach TJ as a coach in Junior High and High School. He was a great man. The world was a better place with him in it. Gerald McClain

Kristi, I'm sorry to be reading about the loss of your father. He was my favorite teacher. He taught with passion and compassion. I loved how he wanted us to sit in different places (my favorite the window with the heater below it). Teaching us to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. He taught us about focus, follow through, and confidence by having us spend the first 15 minutes of class drawing an object from the dictionary and then at the end of the year we drew pictures that we framed. I was quite proud of my tiger. He taught us about listening by having us sit in a circle and whisper from one person to the next what we just heard. We were not good listeners. Of course, I didn't know I was learning anything that was going to be of importance. I just knew i liked the teacher and his class wasn't boring. So it is my hope, that you are able to call on memories that brought you happiness to counter the sadness as you lay your father to rest. Respectfully, Carmen Arroyo Willis

Terry was one of those people who make the world a better place. He was so dynamic, and a favorite teacher of every student. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him! Brenda Walquist

I'm so sorry to hear of TJ's passing. I had him as a teacher years ago and I still remember how kooky and silly he was, which made him one of the best. From his tales of living in Northern California to his untied shoelaces, he will be remembered and missed. RIP TJ, you were something special. Felicia Perotto

TJ (the doctor) was always one of my favorite teachers and coaches at Minico High School. He was one of the main reasons why I went into education. He loved kids and he cared about all of his students. He told me when I was a sophomore: "Seedall, you have the opportunity to be the best full back (football) in the state of Idaho." This made me feel like I was a million bucks! I will never forget how we always talked him into playing the card game "Hearts" in psychology class. I got pretty good at playing "Hearts" my senior year because of TJ! It was because of TJ that I wanted to major in psychology in college. But, I decided to change my major because I got tired of learning about dogs and rats! (hahahaha) I am sure "the doctor" is up in heaven having a great time teaching everyone the game of "Hearts". Until we meet again, TJ and I'll have my deck of cards ready to play! Brent Seedall

I'm sorry for the families loss he was always a good friend of our family and a good influence on my parents. He will be missed. Ray Greer

Uncle Terry was a man of fire and at times brimstone. He could easly take comand of a room and make deaf man laugh as he told jokes. But I will trully miss the few quite moments I got to have with him. One night after having us for dinner he snuck out the back with the extra spaghetti. Following him to a random hole he quietly explained as he dumped the pasta that he was feeding ot to a family of skunks and to not tell Jeanne. He cared for the big things and the smallest of things. I always felt he cared for me. I miss him but hope to take solace in knowing that he is most definitely in heaven and left an everlasting lagacy. Love you all. Thomas C. Johnson

I am a 1978 Minico grad. TJ was an awesome teacher, but an even better human being. He truly cared about ALL of the kids. Todd Sanders mentioned the Hubby Chubby hamburger in some previous comments and that is a fond memory of mine. He would bet a student a Hubby Chubby. The bet might have been a question about something in the curriculum, or something sports related. The loser had to buy the winner a Hubby Chubby. Since TJ had to stay at school, the student would always zip out to Paul to get the burgers and then bring them back to school to enjoy the lunch together. TJ frequently called students brother or sister. Even though I am not LDS, I really felt the love when he called me Brother Cowell. TJ also attended our 30th reunion and I think it meant a lot to most of us in our class. He was truly loved.RIP Brother Johnson. Pat Cowell

I am so sorry for your loss. TJ was one of my favorite teachers in high school. His psychology class was one that I looked forward to everyday. He was a jokester and a great teacher. I remember when he and Coach Pat had all the students switch classrooms when a student fell asleep. You always know who the good teachers are because those are the ones you never forget. Gabriel Galindo

I am so sorry to hear about TJ. He was such a great and fun teacher. It's been many years(1991) and I still remember him. We had a kid fall asleep in class and he took 2 plungers to each side of his head. Of course,gently. A memory that I'll never forget. My deepest condolences to his family. Rachel Silvaz

How do you sum up a man's life? One of the greatest teachers that ever taught at Minico. He cared and wanted the best for each of us his students/kiddos. May there be love and peace for his dear family. He truly loved you! Until we meet again! Stephanie Burgoyne

TJ was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. His positive influence on my life began in high school as a teacher and coach and followed me into the mission field while I served as a LDS missionary for two years. He wrote and provided support and inspiration that was so meaningful. He was a friend and influence on myself and so many of my friends. I can only imagine that each graduating class from Minico High School had a group of students he continued to mentor. Thank you TJ for inspiring so many of us to become better through your example.  Bruce Boettcher

TJ was one of my absolute, all time favorite teachers, after my first psych class with him I rearranged my class schedules so I could have at least one class with him all year. He had a way of making everything fascinating and was always trying to make at least one person laugh. His wonderful smile may not be in the world now, but it will live on in the memory of everyone he touched. My love and condolences to his family as they navigate the holiday seasons. Sara Somsen-Fowler

TJ was one of the best teachers I ever had who truly cared about every single kid in his classroom. In his classroom I met my exchange student Jane who then came to live with us. We still talk about TJ in our home. I loved his sayings, “ God bless America and your mother too.” “Good Hell sister.” And I’m sure many many more. Kayla McCurdy Lundquist

TJ was one of my favorite teachers in high school. His infectious smile and impassioned spirit translated into everything he did and everyone fortunate to be in his presence. He was masterful at getting his high school students’ attention…he would engage us with his outrageous humor, weave in his anticipatory set, and bring it all back around to the objective of the lesson. I don’t know how he had any hair left in the front of his head! He would become especially impassioned by a point he was trying to make and tightly grip the front of his hair! He had had a way of making sure we knew that he saw us and cared what happened to us. If copying someone or something is the greatest form of flattery, I am guilty. I can only hope that I engaged and taught my students with the same level of passion and enthusiasm. Thank you, Mr. Johnson for seeing and influencing the potential of 17 year old “Dean.” Know that your influence as a servant leader and educator live on in this teacher.  Melani “Dean” Edwards

TJ was such a force of nature, I loved his class and he influenced me so much in student government. He could see all of the potential a student had and would work tirelessly to help them succeed. I still can see him laughing and putting his hands above his head as he muttered “oh hell.” I really enjoyed bumping into him in his later years at “Stan’s the Man’s” (Stimpy’s gas station) or getting compost for his yard. His smile is infectious and I loved to simply be in his presence. He will definitely be missed. Richard Garner

It’s times like this that make us pause and honor the heroes we have been privileged to know in this lifetime. Jeannie, my love and prayers are sent for you and your family, for strength and comfort in this painful transition. Know that you are loved. And may God hold you firmly in His arms. Margo Saunders

My association with Terry began when I became a teacher at Minico. He was already a favorite among students and faculty. Our families are cousins and we also were active members of the same church congregation. Terry had the same enthusiasm at church that distinguished him at school, and he's loved by everyone who knew him. Arva and I send our love and condolences to Jeannie and her family. May each of you come to feel peace as you remember this beloved teacher, father, and friend. DeVere Burton