Perry M. Johnson

Perry M. Johnson of Holt, Michigan, died peacefully on Sunday, December 25, 2022.  Born in 1931 in a log cabin in Rocky Rapids, Alberta, Canada, to Harl and Mary Johnson, he rose from humble beginnings to become an internationally recognized expert in the field of Corrections. He was a loving and devoted husband to Uyvonne, married for 71 years, and father to Kathleen, Stephen, Randall, Penny and Julayne.

Perry had a distinguished 35-year career with the State of Michigan, Department of Corrections.  He contributed in many positions from a counselor in the camp programs to the Warden of Jackson Prison and culminated in the State’s Director of Corrections (1972-1984).

Perry’s contributions extended well beyond Michigan’s borders.  He was the national representative for the Presidential Task Force on Law Enforcement prior to President Reagan’s first term.  And in 1977 he was the first recipient of the Award for distinguished Service to the State given at the annual National Governor’s Conference.  He has served on the Board of Directors of the American Correctional Association, and as President of that Association.  He helped develop standards for correctional institutions which have resulted in the upgrading of many of North American’s prisons. In 1985 he was a member of delegation to China for the exchange of information on criminal justice. His accomplishments were recognized by his peers in 1987 with the E.R. Cass Award, the highest honor in the profession.  Perry also received the Legacy Award from the Association of Women Executives in Corrections (AWEC) in 2017 for his efforts to promote and support women in the field. The Legacy Award is given to correctional administrators who have demonstrated support for the development of women in leadership roles in corrections.

After retiring, Perry and good friend and colleague Bill Kime, established a consulting firm Johnson, Kime and Associates and provided corrections consulting services in such interesting places as New South Wales, Poland, Israel, Canada and over 20 states in the United States.

Perry is the author of several books including: “Jackson: The Rise and Fall of the World’s Largest Walled Prison; a history and a memoir”; “Born in a Log Cabin”; and several textbooks on corrections management and training.

Perry Johnson received a BA (class of 1955) and Masters Degree from Michigan State University. He was an adjunct Criminal Justice professor at MSU.

Perry was an award-winning marksman, loved fishing, hunting, MSU football and spending time with the love of his life, Uyvonne, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, infectious laughter, gentle guidance, and loving bear hugs.

Perry is survived by his wife, Uyvonne, and children Kathleen (Duncan) Lawrence, Stephen (Kristine) Johnson, Randall (Tamara Rambis) Johnson, Penny (Kurt) Shanks, Julayne (Timothy) Gensterblum. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Perry was a member of Holt United Methodist Church and served many years on the Pastor of Parish Committee.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Holt United Methodist Church, 2321 N. Aurelius Rd., Holt, MI. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Perry’s memory may do so through contributions to:

“Perry M. and Uyvonne Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice and Ethics” endowed scholarship in Criminal Justice at Michigan State University.

Checks payable to: “Michigan State University”

Memo: “Perry M. and Uyvonne J. Johnson Endowed Scholarship in Criminal Justice and Ethics”

Mail to:

University Advancement

535 Chestnut Rd. Rm. 300

East Lansing, MI 48824

Holt United Methodist Church

2321 N. Aurelius Rd.

PO Box 168

Holt, MI 48842

The Southern Poverty Law Center

400 Washington Avenue

Montgomery, AL 36104