Dr. J. Prescott Johnson, age 102, of Monmouth, Illinois, passed away at
2:25 AM on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at his residence. He was born April
24, 1921 in Tumalo, Oregon, the son of John Edward and Caroline Prescott
(Eaton) Johnson. Dr. Johnson attended many schools and lastly obtained
his PhD from Northwestern University in 1959. On June 9, 1943, he
married Mable A. Dougherty in Kansas City, Missouri and she preceded him
in death on January 12, 2011.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Johnson taught at many institutions
of higher learning. After graduation from Kansas City College and Bible
School, he was ordained as a minister. Locally, Dr. Johnson was involved
at Monmouth College as Associate Professor of Philosophy (1962-69),
Professor of Philosophy (1969-86), Department Chairman (1969-86), and
Professor Emeritus of Philosophy from 1986-present. His list of
publications is long and well read and highly regarded among
professionals. One of his most widely regarded publications is, “The
Ontological Argument in Plato,” The Personalist, 44 (January, 1963). A
discussion of this article appears in Charles Hartshorne: Anselm’s
Discovery (Open Court Pub. Co.), pp.139-41. Dr. Johnson’s professional
interest was in philosophy, with special interest in value theory,
ethics, aesthetics, philosophy of religion, metaphysics, and history of
philosophy. His personal interests include literature, reading and
studying the Bible, classical music, drama, art, translating ancient
Greek and Hebrew texts, gardening, and woodworking.
Dr. Johnson is survived by two daughters, Beth (Thomas) Booth of
Monmouth, Illinois and Carol (Alan) Hull of Camdenton, Missouri, and one
son, Paul (Vicki) Johnson of Galesburg, Illinois, six grandchildren, and
ten great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his
wife, Mable.
As were Dr. Johnson’s wishes, cremation is being accorded. His family
plans a Celebration of His Life and a later date and that will be
announced forthcoming. A memorial has been established for Kansas City
College and Bible School in Dr. and Mrs. Johnson’s name to support
student scholarships. Donations can be made at
https://kcc.populiweb.com/router/donate?donate_page_id=2839 For more
information, or to leave and remembrance of Dr. Johnson, please visit
www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com.
