By Rupert Howell
Panola County native Kenneth J. Johnson was honored last Friday at the James O. Eastland Court House in Jackson with a retirement celebration surrounded by family, friends and co-workers.

Chief U.S. Judge of the Southern Mississippi District Henry T. Wingate led tributes to Johnson who is a 1970 graduate of South Panola High School currently residing in Madison. He and his wife, Gloria-Brown Johnson, have one grown son, Brian. His parents, Marvin and Alice Ruth Johnson, reside in the Macedonia Community.

Johnson served in the Federal Court system for over 23 years, the last 11 as Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer. He had worked for the Mississippi Department of Corrections prior to his federal service. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1974 and last year was the recipient of the Dr. Chester R. Quarles Outstanding Criminal Justice Alumni Award. Quarles was among those attending Friday’s celebration.

Those paying tribute each cited Johnson for sincere concern for his fellow man, not just co-workers, but also for parolees he was supervising. Recurring words during the tribute were “Ken cares.”

A reception was held following the court room celebration at The University Club on Capital Street across from the federal court house.