Dr. Harry I. Johnson Jr. '48

Doctor Harry I. Johnson Jr. was born on April 26, 1927 in Salem, Virginia. He graduated from Roanoke College in 1948 with a B.S. degree in General Science. At Roanoke, he was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Johnson continued his education at the Medical College of Virginia, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1953. Johnson served in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps for 43 years, and retired while holding the rank of Captain. For his dedicated service, Johnson received the Naval Commendation Medal.

Johnson worked at the Carilion Healthcare Corporation for 7 years, and was a member of the Internal Medicine Physicians of Southwest Virginia. He had his own private practice of internal medicine in Roanoke from 1957-1993, and was the Medical Director of the Appalachian Blood Center for 20 years. Johnson served as Chief of Medical Services at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, and was appointed to a 4-year term on the Board of Visitors for the Virginia Commonwealth University (which he served from 1988-1992).

Johnson was a member of the School of Medicine Advisory Council at VCU, and served as president of the Medical College Alumni Association. He was a member of the Southwest Virginia Medical Society, the Medical Society of Virginia, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Internal Medicine. Johnson received the Heart Association Service Recognition Medal in 1976, and was awarded the Charles M. Caravati Award for Outstanding Alumni Service from the Medical College of Virginia Alumni Association. He also received the Wayne Medal for Outstanding Exemplary service to Virginia from Commonwealth University.

Johnson served on the Board of Trustees fro Roanoke College, and was a Lifetime Distinguished Associate. He was a member of the Society of 1842 and part of the distinguished Roanoke College alumnus in 1992. Johnson served on the Honor Guard committee and was on the Science & Math Advisory Committee as co-chair. He was part of the Capital Resources Study Group, the Associates Steering Committee, and the National Associates Committee.

Doctor Harry I. Johnson Jr. was awarded the Roanoke College Medal in 1991 for his distinguished service to his profession and community, along for his many accomplishments in life. He is the president of Johnson Family Investment Corporation in Roanoke, Virginia, and has established numerous scholarships at Roanoke College. He and his wife Jolene Toth Johnson raised two children together; Harry III and Scott Johnson.

Harry I. Jonson Jr. received the Roanoke College Medal in 1991.