By Foram Shah
“It’s not Sidney Johnson, but Sidney. J. Johnson! Don’t forget the J…” This was amongst the first things that our team Walkers, learnt about Mr. Johnson. The J stands for his father, role model and politician, Mr. Joseph S. Johnson. His deep connection with the J becomes even more apparent when we visit his home and his other properties – each of them adorned with the fancy J carefully made out of metal.
Ask him about the history and his experiences along Waters Avenue and watch him go on animatedly, most of which begins with “My daddy always told me…”
Mr. Johnson was born in Savannah. Though he and his sister received their education in New York, they always came back to Savannah during their vacations, hence creating a strong bond with their family and neighbors. After completing high school, he joined the American Navy and served there till 1944, when his father bought several properties in Savannah. It is during this time that he decided to return back to Savannah and do what he was really passionate about: Real Estate.
At 87, he is beaming with energy and is as busy as a bee. His day starts at 6.30 in the morning and after meditating for the day, he goes out in the park for some exercising and stretching and then for a walk with his dog around Waters. He then sets on to attend to his real estate firm SonJohn Inc. Consultant Management.
Well, that is not all. He is also an active member and a co-founder of WABA (Waters Avenue Business Association) and ECC (Eastside Concerned Citizens) and a member of the advisory board at AWOL (All Walks Of Life) Phew!!
We asked him what makes a good businessman to which he promptly replied; “To be a good businessman, you ought to be consistent and honest” because the people you associate with and do business with will help you. If you are good to them, it will come back to you and hence lead you to success. With just an hour of conversation, we learnt a great deal from him. Here are some of his beliefs and values:
Proud to be Waters – Sidney J. Johnson from Social Awareness on Vimeo.
Mr. Sidney J. Johnson has been helping the community in all ways possible and at all levels. He believes that “For me to be going on at 87, good Lord has a purpose. Helping people, especially my community, is my purpose.” Not only is he an active member of the various organizations that are working towards the Waters Revitalization Project but he also helps many people who come to him for help and advice. During our interview, we were lucky to meet Miss Angela, who knew Mr. Johnson well and related to us how Mr. Johnson played an important role in her life, helping her in difficult times and always showing her the right direction.
Proud to be Waters – Ms. Angela talks about Mr. Johnson from Social Awareness on Vimeo.
Angela: “Mr. Johnson is a wise man and if you be around him, listen to him, you will learn a whole whole lot new. I have.” We sure agree with her and even if we have met him just a few times, we have already gained a lot of knowledge. We are extremely thankful to him for being a part of this project and helping us with it.