From the 1973 yearbook	From the 1986 yearbook

The officers and members of the Jacksonville Retired Firefighter Association are saddened to report that

Retired JFRD Engineer Giles E Johnson (87) passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023.

A time of fellowship and visitation is scheduled for 1:00 PM followed by the memorial service at 1:30 PM on Wednesday January 17, 2024 at

The Evergreen Cemetery Funeral Home
4635 North Main St.
Jacksonville, FL

Giles Erick Johnson, 87 passed away suddenly on Dec. 31st, 2023. He was born in
Jacksonville, FL on Oct. 3rd, 1936 to Arthur F. Johnson and Gladys Giles Randall Johnson.
Giles had been in declining health for several years but he was a determined man and was still
able to be active and participate in activities he enjoyed.

Giles is survived by his children Anthony C. Johnson and Camille R. Velez, two grandsons
Cameron and Carson Velez and granddaughter Jamie Johnson, sister Mary Ella Leblanc,
sister-in-law Margaret Johnson, and many nephews and nieces.

Giles was predeceased by his wife Roslyn W. Johnson, two brothers Warren and Vernon, two
sisters Juanita Meir and Patricia Looney, and a nephew Jeffrey S. Johnson Sr.

Giles was born into a large family of limited means and developed a dedicated work ethic from a
young age and it never diminished during his lifetime. His first job began at age 8, a paper route
delivering the daily newspaper in the early mornings before the school day began. He held this
job for several years and the money he earned was used to buy the stylish clothes he preferred.
His first job after graduating from Andrew Jackson Senior High School in 1956 was in Insurance
and Mutual Fund sales. Giles was blessed with the “Gift of Gab” and rose quickly within the
company to become the District Area Supervisor.

Later he started his Career with the City ofJacksonville as a Housing Code Inspector and then
in 1965 he joined the Jacksonville Fire andRescue Department serving his community for 28 years as an Engineer.

During his time withthe JFRD, he worked at many stations throughout the city and alongside many courageous
Firefighters and Paramedics.

He also held other jobs on his off days from the department. C &B Oil Company for one and many others well after his retirement.

For many years he and his wife Roslyn owned rental properties for extra income and he managed and maintained them
himself. He was very well-versed in a lot of areas including Electrical, Plumbing, Carpentry,
Painting, and Flooring. You name it, he could do it and he was a perfectionist so it was always
done right! Giles worked hard to provide for his family and continued to do so until he was
physically unable to, due to Parkinson’s Disease.

Giles was also a lifelong Christian and he met Roslyn during choir practice at Main Street
Baptist Church in 1958. They were married in 1962 and shortly after started a family. Giles was
a devoted Husband and Father who never shied away from telling and showing his loved ones
how much they meant to him and how much they were loved.

Giles never met a stranger and was friendly, helpful, and kind to everyone who had the pleasure
to make his acquaintance. He was also fortunate to have the friendship of many within the
JFRD and with many of his Schoolmates from Andrew Jackson. He continued for numerous
years attending events with the Jacksonville Retired Firefighters Association and also Parties
and Reunion events for the Andrew Jackson Alumni.

Giles was an honorable man who loved the Lord. His life is a great example of selflessness,
sacrifice, and service to his family and fellow man. He will be forever loved, missed, and
remembered as the truly Sweet, Caring, and Loving man that he was.
 

Funeral Services will be held at 1 pm on Jan. 17th, 2024 in the Chapel at Evergreen Cemetary
with Pastor Terry Gore officiating