Jeffry Lance Johnson

Dr. Jeffry (Doc) L. Johnson, 70, entered into eternal peace on September 9, 2015, from brain cancer at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. Jeff was born on April 22, 1945 in San Diego, California, son of the late Dr. Joseph and Darlene (Darby) Johnson. He spent his childhood in Beaverdale before moving to Waukee with his family in 1960 then graduating from Waukee High School in 1963. Jeff received his Associate of Arts in 1965 from Graceland College followed by an undergraduate degree in General Science from the University of Iowa in 1967. He married his soul mate Donna (Schaffer) Johnson on December 30, 1967. He attended Iowa State Veterinary School of Medicine, graduating in 1971. After graduation, he was commissioned as First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas from 1972-74. He was promoted to Captain and reassigned to Aviano Air Force Base in Italy from 1974-77. Jeff received Junior Officer of the year in 1973 at Laughlin Air Force Base and was President of the Junior Officer Association representing all junior officers in Europe in 1976 while living in Italy. His experience in the Air Force was one of his fondest memories. Jeff was proud to serve his country and made lifelong friendships along the way. Upon returning to Des Moines, Iowa in 1977, he established All City Mobile Pet Clinic a full-service mobile practice from 1977-84. In 1980, he purchased City South Animal Hospital on Army Post Road in Des Moines, IA where he spent 32 years in the community caring for pets. In addition, to his own practice he was one of 18 shareholders who started the first Animal Emergency Clinic in Des Moines where he served as Secretary/Treasurer from 1980 - 2000. In 1989 he supervised the construction of the new Animal Emergency Clinic. Jeff never met a stranger, loved a good joke and had an infectious sense of humor. Many wonderful friendships were developed from his private practice and the emergency clinic. In June of 2012 he retired to devote more time to his four beautiful granddaughters and golf game. Jeff was a member of Echo Valley Country Club for over 30 years and will be fondly remembered for his legendary antics on the golf course. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 47 years Donna (Schaffer) Johnson of Waukee, Iowa; daughter Stacy Taiber (Dan) of Urbandale, Iowa; daughter Shanna Overholser (Matt) of Austin, Texas; His granddaughters, Ava Taiber (12), Ella Overholser (10), Mya Taiber (9), and Olivia Overholser (8), were his world. His siblings include Candace Calhoun of Horseshoe Bay, Texas; Cynthia Morris (Terry) of Granbury, Texas; brother Curt Johnson (Kathy) of Waukee, Iowa and many adoring nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, 8201 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, Iowa. Service will be held Thursday, September 17 at 4:30 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 7075 Ashworth Road, West Des Moines, Iowa followed by a Celebration of Life at St. Francis Parish Hall. Private family inurnment will be at Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to John Stoddard Cancer Center /Care Coordinator Program 1221 Pleasant Street Suite 450, Des Moines, Iowa 50309 or Hospice Kavanagh House 900 56th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50312.