Robert L. Johnson was a notable figure in the corporate world and a mentor to many. He began his professional journey at Sears Roebuck & Co., where he worked for 25 years. His career then transitioned as he ventured into running his own packaging business for nearly two decades. Beyond his business achievements, Johnson made a significant impact on education by founding an academy at Roosevelt University. This academy focuses on enhancing young men’s intellectual and leadership capabilities.
According to Tony Wilkins, a friend and mentee, “Bob Johnson quietly demonstrated the promise of the American dream.” He attributed Johnson’s success to qualities such as persistence and patience, adding that Johnson was generous with his advice and insights.
Johnson, 91, passed away from natural causes on July 29 at his residence, as confirmed by his wife, Rose Johnson. They had been married for 65 years. Since 1972, Johnson had lived in Evanston and had been in hospice care for approximately 18 months.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1935 in Chicago, Johnson grew up on the city’s South Side. He graduated from DuSable High School before attending Herzl Junior College, now known as Malcolm X College. Johnson then attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing a sociology degree from Roosevelt University in 1958. His early career included roles with the Chicago Housing Authority before he joined Sears in 1965 as an executive trainee.
Career at Sears
Initially working in a Sears store in Englewood, Johnson soon moved to the corporate headquarters, joining the personnel department. Transitioning to the shoe department, he climbed the ranks to become vice president of men’s clothing in 1978. His tenure marked an era where Sears aimed to integrate its executive team.
Johnson led non-Sears concessions, such as optical centers and camera departments, and retired from Sears in 1990. Paula Jones, a former Sears Foundation President, recalls Johnson’s supportive role, noting his importance as a high-ranking person of color who mentored fellow Black employees.
Entrepreneurial Pursuits and Legacy
In 1988, Johnson co-founded Bagcraft with his daughter, Rhonda. This packaging company aligned with an initiative to foster minority-owned businesses. Post-retirement, Johnson faced environmental challenges with their printing methods. Partnering with Tom Bryce, they founded Johnson Bryce, offering innovative, emission-reduced packaging, earning them accolades from Frito-Lay.
Johnson sold the company in 2007 and divested a second residence in Memphis by 2015. His civic engagement included serving on the St. Louis Federal Reserve Board and Roosevelt University’s board of trustees. At Roosevelt, he established the Black Male Leadership Academy, later renamed in his honor. The academy offers summer programs to develop leadership skills in high school students.
In retirement, Johnson enjoyed traveling, sailing, and contributing to the Mystic Seaport Museum and local organizations like the Evanston History Center and YMCA. Beyond his professional life, he cherished his family, leaving behind his wife, two daughters, five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. Private services were held in his memory.