I wish my first post back was about a different topic, but I wanted to make sure that I at least said a few words on this site about the sad news today. Jim Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator for over a decade, passed away today. He was diagnosed with melanoma originally in 2001 and then again in January and had been undergoing treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with Johnson’s entire family in this difficult time.
I don’t know Jim Johnson personally, but my family has come in contact with him recently during his battle with melanoma. I have vaguely mentioned this before, but our (Chris and myself) immediate family is currently dealing with a fight against melanoma just as the Johnson family had been. It is one of the reasons I have not posted anything this month. It is a terrible disease, and that is an understatement. I pray that someday we can reach a point where we no longer have to lose anyone to cancer. I myself have begun to develop ideas and look into ways that I can contribute to this fight. It is interesting that the word “fight” or “battle” is often associated with cancer. I always hear the phrase “lost their battle” when referring to someone who has passed away from the disease. I personally do not believe in that phrase. There has never been one person diagnosed with cancer that has ever lost. They may no longer be with us, but they haven’t lost. They have shown me and millions of others what true courage is.
Jim Johnson did this as well. He was genuine and kind to my family when they came in contact with him. He obviously left his mark on the city of Philadelphia in football, but he had a family that knew him as a husband, a father, and a grandfather. That is the most important mark any of us can make. Once again, my thoughts and prayers are with the Johnson family.
Great read.
I”ve lost a couple of family members to cancer and have another one that is battling it for the third time now.
Jim Johnson will be missed.
Twitter Comment
wanted 2 say a few words regarding Jim Johnson.especially cuz my own family is in the midst of the same battle..[link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Anthony and Chris – I hope nothing but the best for you and your family.
Twitter Comment
RT @TheCheapSeats wanted 2 say a few words regarding Jim Johnson…[link to post]
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Twitter Comment
@TheCheapSeats I echo your sentiments as someone with a family who is also fighting cancer, best wishes to your family.
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Thanks for the kind words…They are much appreciated. And Scott, I have been following your site the entire time. I can”t wait to start talking Birds!
Twitter Comment
@iBenjammin ty so much…same to you and your family
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Twitter Comment
Share your thoughts & memories of Jim Johnson with us : [link to post], #mpora
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Twitter Comment
Share your thoughts & memories of Jim Johnson with us : [link to post], it’’s something that hits uncomfortably close to home for me
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Twitter Comment
@PhillySportsGuy I think Ray Didinger put together a nice piece on Johnson… http://tr.im/uAvG
– Posted using Chat Catcher
Twitter Comment
@MEngler86 Thanks for sharing. It is nice to read all of the accounts as JJ as a person that are starting to trickle out.
– Posted using Chat Catcher