Jay Martin Johnson

JANUARY 01, 1956 - SEPTEMBER 22, 2026

Jay Johnson, a lifelong resident of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on September 22, 2026. Jay was an absolutely unforgettable man—a fierce protector, a doting dad, a proud grandpa, a music lover, and a true original.

Jay graduated from Seaman High School in 1974. During his senior year and immediately following high school, he began working for Hill's Pet Nutrition. Driven and fiercely determined, Jay later built his own successful septic tank business, "Bee Reliable." He also worked for Waste Management before ultimately discovering his true professional joy as a Carpenter and Millwright. He deeply valued the brotherhood of the Local 1445 Union and stood proudly by everything they represented.

While Jay looked tough with his trademark badass tattoos, anyone who knew him well knew he was a big ol' softie who wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a dedicated friend who would truly give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. His "bleeding heart" extended heavily to animals; he famously ran what his family jokingly called the “Helping Hands of North Topeka,” taking in any neighborhood dog that needed a home.

Jay loved the simple joys of life: looking sharp, smelling great in his favorite cologne, wearing a fresh pair of Converse, and keeping a stack of air fresheners in a clean car. He was an avid fan of KU basketball and Chiefs football, a loud cheerleader at his grandson’s sporting events, a master of the claw machine, and a legendary backwards skater at Starlite. He was extroverted and could strike up a conversation with anyone willing to chat. 

Music was his lifelong passion, and he loved nothing more than cranking it up loud and proud.

Above all else, Jay lived for his family. His absolute pride and joy was spending time with his daughter, Autumn, his son-in-law, Brandon, and his two grandsons, Brody and Blaine. He never missed a single school or sporting event for his grandsons, always arriving with a smile and cheering loudly from the sidelines. Jay loved his family with every ounce of his being, never letting a goodbye pass without a tight hug, a kiss, and an emotional reminder of how much they meant to him.

Jay was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia Johnson.

He is survived by his daughter, Autumn Weyand; son-in-law, Brandon; his cherished grandsons, Brody and Blaine; 4 rescue dogs, and his two dachshunds, Penny and Dixie.

Though his presence will be deeply missed on the sidelines, his family takes comfort in knowing he now has the best seat in the house—pain-free and watching over them forever.

No formal funeral or visitation services will be held. For those who feel compelled to honor his memory and his immense love for animals, contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, Kansas.