Bonnie Jean Johnson

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 NIV)
On Friday, December 3, at 1:45 a.m., the angels welcomed the Lord’s good and faithful servant to heaven. Bonnie Jean Johnson, of Rockford, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. Today, she walks through gates of pearl on streets of gold to be with her Savior in the City of the Living God, filled with peace, joy, and praise.
Bonnie was one of a kind and a gift to all who knew her. We celebrate her life as a humble servant of Christ, dutiful daughter, loyal wife, loving mother, indulging grandmother, prideful great grandmother, talented coach, wise mentor, and fierce advocate for others. She strove for excellence in everything she did, and always sought to bring out the best in every person she encountered.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, James Johnson, who was her best friend, loving partner, adventurous companion, favorite comedian, firm foundation, and faithful provider. Married on September 15th, 2001, Bonnie and Jim enjoyed boating, sailing, flying, spending time with family, and enjoying the warm winter months in Naples, FL. They could not wait to get to Florida each October to enjoy the hot sun; boat in the Port of the Islands waterway; and watch the dolphins, manatees, and their local alligator: “Big Al”. They enjoyed month-long sailing cruises in the Grenadines, Belize, and the Seychelle Islands. Jim and Bonnie were also private pilots, flying their Piper Arrow airplane. They were intellectual companions who pushed each other to accomplish great things and overcome any obstacle, together.
Bonnie adored her family, a main focus of her life. Her grandchildren brought her immense happiness, each of them spending regular quality time with her on “grandma days” throughout their childhood. She shared her passion for travel by taking each of them on an international adventure of their choosing upon graduation. She was overjoyed to experience the continuation of her family through spending time with her two young great grandchildren.
Bonnie is predeceased by her first husband, Glenn Davidson (October 10, 1993). He was her source of strength and wisdom during their 34 years of marriage until his early passing. Through his love and support, she was able to make her dreams a reality, including raising two incredible daughters, starting her own gymnastics school, and traveling the world.
As the founder of the Gymnastic Academy of Rockford and an organizational leader at the national and international level, Bonnie built a legacy within the sports of gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline over 34 years of service. Her passion led the Gymnastic Academy of Rockford to serve the community from 1977 until today.
At the national level, she served on the boards of the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics. She was the USA team manager, coach, and head of delegation for gymnastics, tumbling, and trampoline. She coached many National and World Champion athletes and won the National Tumbling Team title for ten consecutive years. Bonnie was named Coach of the Year by USA Trampoline and Tumbling in 1980, received the Master of Sport Award in 1989, and received the Outstanding Contribution to the Sport Award in 1987 and 1996. In 2003, she was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
At the international level, Bonnie was the first woman to serve on the Technical Committee of the International Trampoline Federation. She was an international judge for both the International Trampoline Federation and the International Sports Acrobatics Federation. Bonnie was admired and respected by athletes, coaches, and officials all over the world. She was like a mother to so many of the athletes and coaches at competitions. Bonnie was highly valued and respected in the sport and will be missed by many.
Bonnie is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jim; daughters, Lori (Jim – deceased) Aamodt and Wendy (Randy) Seerup; grandchildren, Anthony Aamodt, Brandon (Lindsey) Seerup, Bradee (Cameron) Osborne, Trina (Charlie Nuck) Seerup, Darren (Alison Gray) Seerup, and Jada Seerup; great grandchildren, Lacey Seerup and Brynn Seerup; step-daughters, Kellee Rosenberg, Stacee (Eric Nation) Read; step-grandchildren, Noah Rosenberg, Benjamin Rosenberg, Hannah Rosenberg, Avree Read, and Anden Read; siblings, Barry (Pat – deceased) Welliver, Debi Welliver, and Dianne Wright. Each one of them will miss her laugh, smile, and big heart. Bonnie is predeceased by her first husband and father of her two daughters, Glenn Davidson, as well as her parents, Edward and Pauline Welliver.
Bonnie’s visitation will take place Saturday, December 11, 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61107, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. All are welcome to come and share refreshments with the family after the service at Central Christian Church, 6595 Guilford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61107. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ‘Bonnie J. Johnson Memorial Fund’ to be distributed to the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude Hospital.