Gary Vaughn Johnson passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Pullman, WA, one day after his 82nd birthday. Gary was born in Los Angeles, CA on December 20, 1943 to Paul (Papa) and Thelma (Tommy) Johnson, joining his older brother Paul II to complete their family. He grew up in Inglewood and attended Hawthorn High School until his senior year when the family relocated to tiny Bridgeport, WA where they ran a bowling alley. After graduating from Bridgeport High in 1961 he attended Eastern Washington University, majoring in education. With his degree he began teaching 5th graders in Pullman, WA and would continue to do that for the next 43 years.

All told, Gary dedicated nearly 60 years of his life to the kids of Pullman where he is known simply as, MJ. As a 5th grade teacher MJ was both legendary and notorious. He was an eccentric non-conformer, but also a strict disciplinarian. His students got the message that learning was fun, and being a respectful member of the community was non-negotiable. MJ’s classroom resembled a labyrinth of narrow passages choc full of thousands of curiosities, posters and knick knacks. On a strict schedule of rotating subjects, students navigated this maze in study groups where they had to work as hard on learning to work together as they did in mastering their subjects. It was a unique approach to teaching, to say the least, and for many students it changed their whole outlook on learning. These students no doubt owe a lot to the patience and leniency of MJ’s principals (and the fire marshal). Outside the classroom, MJ coached (baseball, wrestling, track) and announced every type of game, match or meet that was held in Pullman. When the Pullman Greyhounds were competing in anything, he was almost certain to be there cheering them on (if he wasn’t announcing). MJ was also instrumental in creating and running Pullman’s 5th grade camp program, a favorite right-of-passage for generations of Pullman school children to this day. In 1985 MJs dedication and impact received official recognition when he was selected as the Washington State Teacher of the Year.

MJ would be the first to tell you that he was not a strong student, himself. Throughout his career, he insisted on teaching in a way he believed worked for students like him. In that and other ways he was always a great champion of the underdog. Whether he was teaching a struggling student. cheering on the Cougs in sports, or getting involved in politics where he always supported who he believed would do the most for those with the least. He will be remembered for being the voice of Pullman Greyhound sports, coaching the little league Cardinals baseball team, playing the Grand Croker of 5th Grade Camp and for his love of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang (except Lucy!). Every community should be lucky enough to have an MJ.

MJ was also a devoted father at home. He married Marlys McGrath (Achey) in 1968 and they were married for 33 years before their divorce in 2001. Together they raised their 3 children who all graduated from Pullman High School. Two of his children have also had long teaching careers. MJ has welcomed 5 grandchildren into the world and they all knew him as Grandser. They were his pride and joy.

MJ is survived by his son and daughter in law, Chad and Kate Johnson, son and daughter in law Shane Johnson and Amie Smith, daughter and son in law Aubrey and Sam Anderson, his children’s mother Marlys Achey and grand children Scott and Owen Johnson, Keelin and Karston Anderson, and Ruby Smith-Johnson.

A memorial to celebrate the life of Gary Vaughn Johnson will be held at the event pavilion at Palouse Ridge golf club in Pullman, WA on July 3, 2026 at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the “Gary V. Johnson Scholarship”, established through the Pullman Education Foundation, to provide financial assistance to students attending 5th Grade Camp. Memorials may be mailed to PEF at P.O. Box 151, Pullman, WA 99163, or made online at https://www.pullmaneducationfoundation.org/donate (select “Donate Online,” and then direct the memorial to “Scholarship: Gary V. Johnson” under Additional Information).