NNP

We were saddened to hear about the passing of Jay W. Johnson (1943-2009) who spent over 30 years as a network journalist (television and radio), served as a Congressman from Wisconsin, and then served two years as the 36th Director of the U. S. Mint from 2000-2001.

Jay was an Honorary LM of the Bowie, MD Coin Club and a member of the American Numismatic Association. As a Congressman, he voted and advocated for the State Quarter and Golden Dollar programs. As Mint Director he attended our conventions and was a mainstay at the NLG Bash. Teaming up with current American Numismatic Association Governor Wendell Wolka, the skits they performed were some of the most humorous we have ever seen.

Jay also served as MC for the Atlanta ANA Banquet in 2001. At the 2003 ANA he was the first Mint Director to consign coins to the official auction. This distinguished and well spoken person was always available to sign his autograph to anyone who asked. For his service to ANA and our hobby, he received the ANA President's Award in March, 2001. More information will be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Mint

Jay will always live in our memories as a fine human being who would do anything to advance the hobby of coin collecting and numismatics in general. We have made a donation to ANA in his memory. Rest in Peace.

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: U.S. MINT DIRECTOR JAY JOHNSON, 1943-2009 (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v12n43a07.html)