KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |After nearly a half century, a legendary Shreveport teacher retires

After nearly a half century, a legendary Shreveport teacher retires

By Liz Elan - bio | email

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - For nearly a half century at Loyola College Preparatory, math class meant a date with Mr.J. "It's a great feeling to take a bunch of minds and mold them into what you want them to be." But after 46 years of sculpting, 71 year old Gerald Johnson is calling it a day. "Enough is enough, I am burned out," said Johnson.

Johnson came to Loyola as a teacher in 1963. "He arrived here about the time I was learning to walk," said Principal Frank Israel.

He was one of only five teachers not a priest, but his punishments were just as strict. "We made them go on the floor and hold up dictionaries, we used the paddle," he said.

 Principal Israel says "He had these legendary arms, you always hear about these arms like Popeye and the boys fears and respected him."  But it's when girls arrived at Loyola that Mr. J would rather be remembered for.  In 1987, when he was principal, the school turned co-ed. "A terrific amount of work went in to that and I think it turned out so well," said Johnson.

 Math is Mr.J's specialty, but it's his lessons of life students say they will take away from his class. "He talks a lot about he doesn't want you to do things the hard way. He says don't crawl down the median when you can drive in the pink cadillac," said senior Mary Oden.

 Another student, Lavar Washington said "I feel bad for the upcoming freshman and sophomores who aren't going to have him."

Mr. J will tell you he wants to be remembered for trying, but it's his success that will leave a much larger footprint. "In a lot of ways, he is the touchstone of the school, the compass of the school," said Israel.

Loyola has changed in many ways, but Mr.J always remained a constant. "The whole place kind of stands on his shoulders," said Israel.

But in his absences, Loyola will stay strong. His life lessons and passion for excellence will stay locked in the foundation for years to come.

 "I'm glad it all turned out this way, I sure am," said Johnson.