John “Boo Cat” Ethridge Johnson

JENNINGS — Funeral services for John “Boo Cat” Ethridge Johnson, 83, of Jennings will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 27, at Semien-Lewis Mortuary. Minister Betty Etienne will officiate. A visitation will be held from 8-10 a.m. in the Mortuary Church Chapel. Burial will follow in the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary with Military Honors accorded by a Fort Johnson Army Detail.

John was born on March 17, 1940, in Opelousas to the late George Ethridge and Mary Johnson. He was raised in Jennings and received his formal education in the Jeff Davis Parish school system. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 3, 1966, as a Light Weapons Infantryman and was Honorably Discharged on June 23, 1967. He was promoted to the rank of Private First Class (E-3) on March 17, 1966, and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and National Defense Medal for his service in the Vietnam War.

John loved watching sports and being outdoors. He could often be seen walking or riding his bike around town. He was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at the library. He also enjoyed spending time at the Council on Aging visiting with friends.

He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at Crowley Ochsner Hospital.

He leaves behind one daughter, Denise “Sika”, one grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Ethridge, his mother, Mary Johnson and his siblings, Golden Batiste, Aggie Mouton, Madeline Pierre (Clarence), Edward Parker, Warren Ethridge, and Robert Rubin (Louise).

The family gives special thanks to those who contributed to the care of John: ResCare Home Care, Camelot Brookside, Ochsner Hospital of Jennings, Crowley, Lafayette and Frank Thibodeaux Post #520 of the American Legion.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.semien-lewismortuary.com