Joey Johnson, 45
Joseph Justin “Joey” Johnson, 45, of Iowa City, passed away Jan. 2, 2026. A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 16, at Agency Community Church, Agency. Joey was a Lynnville-Sully graduate with the Class of 1999.
Joey was born Apr. 16, 1980, to Dave and Jodi (Diana Joan Swanson) Johnson at Mary Greeley Hospital in Ames. He was baptized on Father’s Day in 1980 at Hubbard Methodist Church. Before he was old enough for school, Joey spent his days on the road with his parents, riding along in their International conventional sleeperless truck. He briefly attended morning optional kindergarten in Newton before the family moved to Lynnville in 1986. Joey attended Lynnville-Sully School and spent the majority of his life in Lynnville, raised alongside his two sisters.
From an early age, Joey approached the world with curiousity, creativity, and a tender heart. He loved cheetahs, Legos, trucks, airplanes, and space. When Joey was a young boy, he and his mother watched the tragic Challenger explosion together. Seeing how deeply upset she was, Joey sweetly reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll build you one that won’t blow up.” It was a comforting moment his mother always cherished – and true to his word, Joey later crafted his own spaceship entirely out of Legos.
Joey faced life’s challenges with remarkable determination and courage. Though dyslexia made spelling and schoolwork difficult at times, it never kept him from fully participating in life. Through the Sully Community Church, he traveled with the Bible Verse Quiz Team to compete across the region, proudly representing his church and building lasting friendships. His favorite scripture beautifully reflected his outlook on life: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Joey’s stubborn streak and sharp sense of humor emerged early. At just four years old, while serving as the ring bearer at his aunt’s wedding, he decided after the ceremony that he absolutely would not walk back down the aisle. Two of his older cousins ultimately had to pull him along, creating an unforgettable, hilarious scene as family members tried their best to suppress their laughter.
Growing up, Joey participated in Little League and Pony League baseball, as well as cross-country and track. While at Lynnville-Sully, his musical talents shined, and he lettered all four years in the jazz band playing the tenor saxophone.
At age 14, Joey survived a severe accident that injured his vocal cords -- a turning point that forever altered the course of his life. Despite the lifelong difficulties that followed, he moved forward with deep resilience. In 2015, he sustained a brain injury that ultimately left him disabled, yet his spirit remained unbroken.
Joey went on to attend Des Moines Area Community College before transferring to Grand View University, where he studied accounting and earned a well-deserved spot on the dean’s list. Over the years, he worked at Burger King, Goode Greenhouses, and Wells Fargo Arena. He also loved helping local farmers bale hay, once even bringing home a 1977 pickup truck as a bonus – a vehicle that remarkably still runs today.
Joey had a deep love for lasagna, which he affectionately called his “healing food.” Known for his deeply caring spirit, he chose to continue helping others even after his passing through the gift of organ donation. Those who knew Joey will always remember his gentle heart, his steadfast perseverance through adversity, his creativity, and his unique sense of humor. He frequently closed his messages with his signature phrase, “Peace Out.”
Family and Loved Ones
Joey is survived by his parents Dave and Jodi Johnson; his sisters MindyJo Marie Johnson (Todd) Miller and Misti Lyn Johnson (Jeff) Craig; his nieces Chloe (JoJo-Juan Joseph) Bowden and Mazee E. Craig; his nephew Jaxon D. Craig; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his infant brother Timothy David in 1976; his paternal grandparents Robert E. and Muriel Johnson; and his maternal grandparents Charles and Dorothy Swanson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Agency Community Church, Lynnville Library, or Heartland Humane Society.
The family asks that Joey be remembered for the kindness he showed others, the obstacles he so bravely overcame, and the deep love he carried for his family, friends, and community throughout his life. ~ Peace Out, Joey.
