“Tommy was famous for saying, ‘Just pop a bulb,’ which meant to get the photo. He knew the flash would make people feel their story was important.”
That’s what Mary Wilson recalls of her former boss, Thomas J. Johnson, who served as longtime editor of the Montezuma Valley Journal. Johnson hired Wilson as the society editor in 1967 without any journalism experience, she said.
“I just remember him telling me to get the job done,” Wilson recalled. “He stressed listening to people’s stories and getting them recorded as best as you could.”
Born July 26, 1922, in Denver, Johnson died Sept. 7, at the Vista Grande Inn in Cortez. He was 92.
“A big piece of history has disappeared with Tommy’s passing,” said Wilson. “He knew everything down to the exact date.”
Wilson described Johnson as both a good-spirited and good-natured man who always maintained a level head.
“Tommy loved his job,” said Wilson. “He gave it his all.”
While attending Cortez High School, Johnson began working at the Montezuma-Valley Journal in 1939 and remained until his graduation in 1941. He honed his journalism skills while attending Fort Lewis College at Hesperus, serving as editor of the Fort Lewis Collegian.
Johnson then joined the Army and served as a paratrooper in the 17th Airborne Division during World War II. Upon returning, he entered Regis College in Denver, and became editor of the Regis College Ranger. He graduated in 1949, and then returned to Cortez to work for the Montezuma-Valley Journal from 1949 until 1952.
Johnson was recalled to the military during the Korean War, serving with the 7th Division overseas for three years. Wounded in the Battle of Pork Chop Hill, Johnson returned home and purchased the Dolores Star in 1955 before reclaiming his title as editor of the Montezuma Valley Journal in 1958.
“I worked at the newspaper as a reporter and photographer with Tom for 25 years,” said Byron McKelvie.
Described as very outgoing, Johnson knew most everybody in the area, which helped to enhance the newspaper’s coverage, said McKelvie. Under Johnson’s tutelage, McKelvie predicted they published “millions of words” on the Dolores River project in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
“We were a good team,” McKelvie said. “We had an arrangement to work together. It was a good operation.”
In addition to their professional relationship, McKelvie said he also formed a close personal bond with Johnson. The duo continued meeting for lunch after Johnson’s retirement in 1987.
“His death is a big loss,” said McKelvie.
A memorial mass service for Johnson was held on Thursday at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. A rosary service proceeded on Wednesday.
For more, see Johnson’s obituary on Page 3A.
tbaker@cortezjournal.com