Claude Junior Johns

Claude Jr. (“CJ”) Johns was born in Des Moines, Iowa on November 4, 1931.

He passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023, at Iowa Methodist Hospital surrounded by family. CJ was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters, his loving wife, Marilyn, son Ricky, and daughter Diane. He is survived by his loving sister Darlene, many nieces and nephews, and his daughter Jeri Deo-Sokoloff (husband Mark Sokoloff), son Scott Johns (wife Janette), and son Michael Anderson (wife Agnes). CJ had 11 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

For many years he drove a semi-truck, then opened his beloved bar, which eventually became CJ’s II. He loved Knoxville Sprint Car Races and sponsored a few Sprint cars. During his lifetime, he owned acreage with many farm animals that he enjoyed spending time with. A big part of his enjoyment was talking and joking with customers, telling stories, and sponsoring many pool teams. He also enjoyed feeding cookies to the squirrels and raccoons that came up onto his porch

He will be missed by his family, many friends, and customers who became his bar family and a very special part of his life.

CJ will be remembered fondly. A life well lived.

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