Rupert Harris Johnson

http://apps.westpointaog.org/Memorials/Article/6825/

Rupert H. “Johnny” Johnson, Sr. was a proud member of the “Oriole” class—those who entered West Point in November of 1918. He was born 15 August 1899 on a farm in Anson, Texas; his parents were Mary Esther Morrow and Albert Washington Johnson. He attended Hardin-Simmons College until the outbreak of World War I in 1917. Johnny immediately enlisted and was serving in France in 1918 when he received an appointment to West Point.

On 2 November 1918, the date of his arrival at West Point, the Corps consisted of one class—the plebes who had been cadets for only a few months. Early graduation of the senior classes had virtually decimated the Corps. Because Johnny’s class was scheduled to be commissioned after only a few months training, he and his classmates were issued enlisted men’s uniforms with one major exception—the hat band was of a bright, orange color; hence the nickname “The Orioles,” a name proudly borne to this day.

After the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the two fourth classes became one Corps of Cadets. Fourth Class A became the upper class and Fourth Class B, the plebes. And that’s the way it was until 1 July 1919, when the new class arrived at West Point. The members of Fourth Class A graduated in 1920 and the members of Johnny’s Fourth Class B in 1921 and 1922.

We, who were cadets with Johnny, recognized that he possessed those qualities which would assure his success in life. He was dedicated to the high principles of West Point, and he was determined to excel. His competitive spirit remained with him throughout his life. It motivated him to become an outstanding success in the financial world. He demonstrated his athletic ability in baseball, basketball, polo, and boxing (Welterweight Champion).

Following his graduation in 1921, Johnny attended, and was graduated from, the Infantry Officers School, Fort Benning, Georgia. Then he was stationed at Governors Island, New York. During this tour he met several successful New Yorkers. He decided to resign his commission and enter the business world where he enjoyed outstanding success.

Within a few years, he founded R.H. Johnson and Company, a general securities firm and investment banking house. He founded in 1947 the Franklin Group of Mutual Funds, now one of the largest mutual fund organizations in the United States. In the operation of his business, Johnny always gave top priority to the client’s best interests. This “Spirit of Service” provided the foundation on which he built a successful and prosperous business. During those years his preferred activities were big game hunting all over the world and golf. He founded the Eastern Seniors Golf Association.

Although he retired from active business in 1956, he continued to enjoy a vigorous, energetic life. He was president of the St. Andrew’s Society; member of the Explorer’s Club of New York; Siwanoy Country Club, Bronxville, New York; the Indian Creek, La Gorce and Surf Clubs of Miami Beach; and Montclair Golf Club. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Biblical Seminary of New York City and was a member of the Committee of One Hundred of Miami Beach, Florida.

He established the Rupert Johnson Cadet Loan Fund at West Point, and donated to Hardin-Simmons University School of Business, the Albert W. and Mary E. Johnson Building.

He is survived by his wife Amybelle Siler Johnson and seven children: Mary Frances Furlong of Montclair; Florence Marie Jacobson of Verona; Andrew R. Johnson of San Mateo, California; Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., both of Hillsborough, California; Bonnie Lee Sacerdote of New York City; and Suzanne Olden Razor of Salt Lake City. In addition, Mr. Johnson’s second daughter was the late Dorothy Elizabeth McGuire, a life-long resident of Upper Montclair.

He also leaves thirty-three grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, three sisters: Mrs. Audrey Martin of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Mary Behrens of Abilene, Texas; and Mrs. Margaret Hancock of Long Beach, California; and a brother, Albert W. Johnson, Jr., of Texas.

Services were held Thursday, 16 March 1989, at the Church by the Sea, Bal Harbour, Florida. Interment was in Mount Hebron Cemetery, Upper Montclair, New Jersey.

Johnny’s love for West Point increased with the years. He attended every class reunion. His enthusiastic, fun loving presence will be missed.