Johnnie Lee Redmond

Johnnie Lee Redmond was born April 2, 1951, to James Redmond and Marie Harris in Yazoo, Mississippi. Johnnie was the second oldest. The family relocated to Illinois where Johnnie spent most of his life.

Johnnie accepted Christ at an early age while attending Bible Witness Camp in Hopkins Park, Illinois. He attended public schools in Kankakee County, graduating from St. Anne High School in 1969.

In 1970 Johnnie enlisted in the US Army and served almost 3 years (2 years in Europe) and was honorably discharged. During his service he completed his education/training in wireman and maintenance of field radio equipment. Johnnie also was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Marksmanship Sharpshooter (Rifle M-16), Good Conduct Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation.

Johnnie was a free agent, and he traveled wherever his heart desired. After the military he took residency in California, Georgia, Mississippi-just to name a few. He was welcomed in the homes of his siblings where he was affectionately called Uncle Johnnie/J-Bird by his many nieces and nephews. Uncle J-Bird loved the kids, as if they were his own.

His free-spirited nature was the drive behind his many jobs-there was nothing Johnnie wouldn’t do! Truck driver to prison guard at Statesville Maximum Security in Illinois, he was very versatile.

In the last 2 years Johnnie resided in Joliet, IL at the Senior Suites where he made numerous acquaintances and attended church under Bishop Antonio Brooks.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his younger sisters, Wanda Rena Redmond-Holt, Cheryl Elanie Redmond; his little brother James Redmond Jr.; his father James Redmond Sr. and his eldest niece Vernita Woods.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his adoring mother Marie Harris of Joliet, IL, loving sisters Ernestine Woods of Ocilla, GA, Mary Douglas (Joe) of Bolingbrook, IL, Maxine Ross (Ed) of Indianapolis, IN, Betty Redmond of Benton, MS and younger brothers William Redmond of Hawaii; Jessie Haymer of Benton, MS and 18 nieces/nephews. Johnnie will be missed by so many; he made a friend EVERYWHERE he went. Fly high J-Bird.  

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