Philip Johnson

Philip “Kimo” Johnson passed away peacefully on August 2, 2019. He was born on September 30, 1943 to Phillip and Margaret “George” Johnson. Philip married the mother of his children in Hawaii in 1973. Philip was raised in Graettinger and was there until he graduated High School at 17 years old. He moved to Hawaii where he attended the University of Hawaii where he studied Asian studies and then moved to Japan to attend the University of KYOTO where he studied Japanese literature. Before Philip moved to Iowa where he spent his last 12 years, he also lived in Hawaii, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and Japan. He also loved birds, international cooking, the ocean, herb gardening, and was active in politics. Philip also worked in management in the hotel and airline business. But to summarize who Philip really was, when he was younger, he worked for the paper route where he made “animal friends,” and we aren’t talking about dogs and cats. He had a skunk and raccoon who would sit on his shoulder while he rode his bike and delivered papers. He is survived by his two daughters Maile Johnson (Bill Borth) and Sachiko (Brandon) Richmond; two grandchildren who he loved so much, Kai and Malana Richmond; sister Pat Lancaster; nieces Lynne Grosh, Betsy Foster, and Jean Compton; and many other friends who live all over the world. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Herb, Russell, Duane, and Harold; and his beloved bird Ninja. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The American Cancer Society and to the Johnson Family Memorial (link below) in loving memory of Philip.