Harry I. Johnson
Harry Johnson was destined to have dual careers – that of a highly respected medical doctor in civilian life and that of a highly regarded officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps. He succeeded in handling both areas of responsibility in a most credible manner.
He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in the Class of 1944, having been an excellent student and a participant in such activities as debating, public speaking, and band, In sports, he participated in both basketball and baseball.
He entered Roanoke College in 1944 and, in 1948, received a BS degree in General Science. This was followed by a year at Randolph Macon College and, from 1949-1953, the Medical College of Virginia where he received his degree as a Medical Doctor. In 1953-1954 he served a rotating internship at Lewis-Gale Hospital, in Roanoke. His residence in Internal Medicine was completed at McGuire VA Hospital and the Medical College of Virginia, between 1954-1957.
Harry established his private practice in Internal Medicine in Roanoke in July of 1957. Over the years he has also served as medical director for both Roanoke Electric Steel Corp., and the Appalachian Blood Center (1957-1977). He also held the position of Chief of Medical Service for Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1983-1984.
His tour of duty with the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps was extensive as evidenced by the fact of his retirement with the rank of captain after 43 years of meritorious service.
Harry’s participation in community and professional activities has also been extensive having served as: president, Virginia Heart Association; vice president, American Heart Association; president, MCV Alumni Association and; co-chairman, Kresge Science Initiative Committee – Roanoke College. He served on the Board of Visitor-Virginia Commonwealth University for 8 years, the last year as vice rector. Currently, he serves on the Associates Steering Committee – Roanoke College and on the Board of Trustees MCV Foundation Medical School Advisory Committee. His memberships include: Roanoke Academy of Medicine; Southwest Virginia Medical Society; American Medal Association; American Society of Internal Medicine; Association of Military Surgeons; American Heart Association and; the Council of Clinical Cardiology.
His many honors include: the Heart Association “Service Recognition Medal”; the Charles M. Caravati Award for Outstanding Alumni Service-Medical College of Virginia Alumni Association; the Naval Commendation Medal; the prestigious Roanoke Medal awarded by Roanoke College and; the Wayne Medal awarded by Virginia Commonwealth University.
Harry and his wife, Jolene, reside in Roanoke and they have two sons, Harry III and Scott.
In further recognition of his outstanding career achievements, Dr. Harry I. Johnson, Jr., was among the charter members indicted into the Salem Alumni Hall of Fame established by the Salem Educational Foundation and Alumni Association in 1996.
