Jim Johnson Died at 68
James Weldon Johnson, who was longtime defensive coordinator died on 28th July 2009, Tuesday afternoon. Johnson died after a six months battle with cancer, at the age of 68.
Eagles Chairman, Jeffrey Lurie told in a statement released by the team that Jim Johnson was an exceptional coach for the Philadelphia Eagles for ten years, but more importantly, he was an outstanding human being. As an integral part of the Eagles family, Jim epitomized the traits of what a great coach should be – a teacher, a leader, and a winner. Johnson was survived by his wife, Vicky, two children, Scott and Michelle, and four grandchildren, Katie, Justin, Brandon, and Jax. It was simple to feel close to him. He positively touched the lives of so many people in and out of the Eagles association.
An expert of a 22-year NFL coaching career with Arizona, Indianapolis, Seattle and Philadelphia, Johnson played two seasons with the Buffalo Bills after being an All-Conference quarterback at Missouri before embarking on a coaching career.
An MRI after the divisional playoff win against the Giants on Jan. 11 alerted doctors that something might be wrong. Following the Arizona loss, the team announced the cancer had returned and Johnson would undergo more treatments.
Coughlin told he was great to work with and for, and he had his priorities in order. His players loved to play for him and his coaches loved to coach with him. It was a sad day for the National Football League to lose somebody the quality of Jim Johnson.
Johnson had been treated for tumor in 2001.In January, he complained of back pain and coached from the press box in the Eagles' playoff win over the New York giants and in the loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC championship.
When the chapter about the top of the 21st century is written about this football team, the name of Jim Johnson will be mentioned prominently.
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