[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E7]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. JAMES ROBERT JOHNSON OF 
                             DALLAS, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PAT FALLON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2024

  Mr. FALLON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
service of Dr. James Robert ``Bob'' Johnson of Dallas, Texas, who 
passed away on February 15, 2013. Dr. Johnson made incredible 
discoveries in the world of astrophysics and used his skills to help 
protect our national security.
  Dr. Johnson was born on April 9, 1951, to Congressman Sam Johnson and 
Shirley Melton Johnson. He attended Texas A&M University, where he 
graduated with a Ph.D. in Physics in 1979. After graduation, Dr. 
Johnson served as a research scientist at the Lunar and Planetary 
Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona. In this role, he detected an atmosphere 
on Pluto and water on the dwarf planet Ceres. Dr. Johnson's work helped 
lay the foundation to expand our scientific knowledge of mathematics, 
astronomy, and the cosmos.
  Later in life, he became the Chief Scientist for Raytheon 
Intelligence and Information Systems. In this role, he spearheaded 
breakthroughs in overhead reconnaissance, intelligence, and image 
processing. For his advancements in information and intelligence 
sharing, Dr. Johnson was recognized by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 
of Staff and U.S. Special Operations Command, and he received many more 
awards.
  Dr. Johnson was known in his community for his kindness and 
integrity. He held a strong passion for teaching and actively sought to 
help others reach their full potential. In his free time, he enjoyed 
spending time with his family, designing homes, traveling around the 
world, and playing his original piano compositions. His published works 
will certainly continue to be invaluable assets to our scientific 
community for decades to come.
  I have requested the United States flag to be flown over our Nation's 
Capitol in recognition of Dr. Johnson's life and service to our nation. 
He will be dearly missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

                          ____________________