John Henry Johnson Jr. was born on February 28, 1946, to Alma and John Henry Johnson Sr. in Los Angeles, California. To their marriage was born John Henry Johnson Jr., Clarence Johnson, Patricia Johnson, and Dwane Johnson.
John attended Bakersfield High School and went on to Barber College where he obtained his Barbering License. After graduation from Barber College, he turned down an offer by investors to become the owner and instructor of a Barber College in Los Angeles. He chose instead to stay in his beloved Bakersfield, and he began working for his mother’s business, Giant Burger, a popular food take-out business. Before long John and the food establishment were nicknamed “Footlong” in reference to the “hot” menu item footlong chili dogs being served there.
Eventually Footlong began working for his father’s lathe and plastering company, Johnson and Sons’ Plastering. He joined his brother, the late Clarence Johnson, and his nephew Dirk Johnson in the company. Johnson and Sons’ Plastering contractors were sought after by many builders and developers in Kern County. Clarence, Dirk, and Footlong were popular lathe and plastering contractors for Pinewood Lakes, the Vineyards, California Homes, Seven Oaks, Haggin Oaks, Brimhall Estates, and many other new home developers and building contractors. Footlong enjoyed this work, however, his passion for barbering remained strong and he returned to being a barber.
Upon his return to barbering, Footlong worked for Key’s Barber Shop and Mr. Bennett’s Barber Shop, before opening two barbershops of his own: Talk of the Town and Just Us. Footlong made a name for himself with his Master barbering techniques. He perfected his craft for decades while operating these two businesses until he accepted the Barber and Instructor position at Bakersfield Barber College, which he considered a dream job. He also continued to cut hair at Next Level Barber Shop, where he routinely began his workday at 5:00 in the morning.
Most who knew Footlong, knew that he loved to be “suited and booted,” translation, dressed to perfection. He loved his family and believed that it was important to dress well as he was representing the Johnson family. Footlong also loved cars. His first car was a black, 1952, 4-door Buick. He also owned Cadillac Broughams, classics and BMWs. He was definitely a car enthusiast.
Footlong also loved people: he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and all of his family; he loved his clients and students; he loved his church, St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of the late Pastor Tyree Toliver; and he loved The Lord.
Footlong is predeceased by his parents, Alma and John Henry Johnson Sr, his sister Patricia, and his brother Clarence. He is survived by his brother Dwane Johnson, his son Ricky Johnson (wife Charletta; mother Linda Frasier) and his son Darryl Johnson (wife Alisa; mother Gwendolyn “Regina” Johnson). Four grandchildren, Quinna Johnson, Joshua Henderson, Grant Johnson and Mikhaila Johnson. Four great-grandchildren, Hennessey, Ryder, Kaylyn and Quincy (all of Bakersfield California) and a multitude of other loving family members, and friends.

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