By David Martinez / Boxing Historian / dmboxing.com
A friend to all that knew him was J.J. Johnston … actor, author, and a top and very knowledgeable boxing historian. Born in Chicago, Illinois on October 24, 1933, he passed away on November 4, 2022.
Johnston lived in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and began appearing in movies and stage productions in 1972. He is known for his roles in Fatal Attraction (1987), JFK (1991), The Spanish Prisoner (1997), and Spartan (2004), just to name a few. He also had roles in many selected television programs throughout his career.
Another highlight was when he and David Mamet played “Tweedle Dee” and “Tweedle Dum” in a Chicago stage production of “Alice in Wonderland”.
I met J.J. back in the mid-nineties while attending a Golden State Boxing Association luncheon at the old Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood, California. J.J. would always attend with his display of incredible boxing collectables in those years (1997-2007) which was during my tenure with the World Boxing Hall of Fame.
I was truly honored when he presented me with his outstanding publication “Chicago Boxing” which he personally autographed on November 15, 2005. The book is simply amazing with outstanding photos, all in black and white, and arranged in chronological order.
Ironically, one of my best friends, Steve Corbo from Chicago, submitted two of his photos for J.J.’s book. They are of top heavyweight contender James “Quick” Tillis, and also a photo Steve took himself from ringside at the Johnny Lira vs. Ernesto Espana WBA lightweight title fight at the Chicago Conrad Hilton Hotel on August 4,1979. The scheduled fifteen round fight was stopped after the ninth round with Lira severely cut over the right eye and not able to come out for the tenth round.
I will always remember the one thing that J.J. and I discussed with 100% total agreement ; in the second round knockout by Ezzard Charles over Bob Satterfield, at the Chicago Stadium on January 13, 1954 … the Charles left hook was as picture perfect as it ever gets in boxing.
One of my favorite photos included in this article piece is J.J. (in the middle) with myself and Bill Dempsey Young. It was taken at one of the birthday house parties for legendary boxing icon and friend, Don Fraser.
May J.J. continue to rest peacefully in heaven with the Lord. We all miss you, and your book is a priceless and honorable item in my collection of boxing memorabilia!