Paul James Johnson, 76, of Haslett, Michigan, passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, in Lansing, Michigan. Paul was born in Bay City, Michigan to Helen Stevens and William Johnson on November 6, 1946. In his younger years Paul was a high school All-American at Bay City Central. He received a full scholarship to play both offense and defense for the University of Michigan where he earned All-Big Ten Honorable Mention during his Sophomore year. While there he earned a bachelor’s in biology as well as two Master’s in education and social Work. He coached Michigan football for one year with Bump Elliott and two years with Bo Schembechler. In his 20s he sued the University of Michigan for the free education treaty rights granted to Chippewa, Ottawa, and Pottawatomie children in the Fort Meigs Treaty in exchange for the land that provided the beginnings of the University. Since that lawsuit, over 6000 Native students have received free tuition and since graduated from various colleges across Michigan. After leaving coaching, Paul worked for twenty-five years at the Michigan Education Association, educating Native and non-Native teachers and students alike, later working as the Planning Consultant on efforts for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan such as the Ziibiwing Cultural Center and the Andahwod Senior Care Center. He was a respected singer and drummer with the Three Fires Drum, along with Mouz Pamp, George Thomas, Ben Bearskin Jr. He enjoyed playing golf with his good friends at Brookshire Golf Club and watching his sons grow into fine young men. He took great pride that his sons all graduated from college and have become successful in their chosen careers. Paul received many athletic awards and honors but always cherished those gifts and recognition he received from the various Indian communities for whom he worked.
Paul is preceded in death by his aunt, Margaret Waynee, a strong and beautiful woman whole dedicated her life to raising him and his brother, Wayne. Paul’s brothers include Benjamin Ramirez- Shkwegnaabi, Daniel Borja Ramirez, Jerome Dupont, William Johnson, John Johnson, and Joe Johnson.
Paul is survived by his wife of 46 years, Valorie of Haslett, MI. Together they were deeply committed to protecting cultural survival by improving educational opportunities and outcomes of native students and communities. Also surviving are his sons, Christopher Paul, Stephen James, Derek Nyagwai and wife Tess, and Dustin Owl. His grandchildren include Skylar Gen, Jaden Rose, Genevieve, Alexander Cash, Chloe Pueo, Harper Memengwa, Kauluwai, and Keolininohokai. Paul was honored to have been the naming sponsor of many young people and has a large network of family and friends with many special sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews that he cherished.
His fierce gentleness, sense of humor and caring ways will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. After a life well-lived, he begins his spirit journey.
Visitation will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home - East Lansing Chapel, 1730 East Grand River Avenue, East Lansing, Michigan 48823, on Thursday, February 23rd, from 4-6pm. Funeral service will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home - East Lansing Chapel, Friday February 24th from 4-6pm sundown with Lorraine “Punkin” Shananaquet and George Martin.
Due to weather conditions, the burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Nokomis Learning Center in Okemos, Michigan. http://nokomis.org/donation