Secretariat

Obituary: James W Johnson

We are very sorry to report the death of Mr James Johnson, a graduate of the University, a highly successful Leeds-based businessman and a former member of the University Court and Council. Born in 1926, Mr Johnson graduated with a BSc in Engineering in 1948. He joined the family business of Johnson Radley, which made moulds for the glass industry, and succeeded his father as Managing Director of the company in 1956. The company's fortunes prospered and it became one of the major employers in Leeds, with a thriving export trade. When Johnson Radley was acquired by United Glass plc in 1964, Mr Johnson became a main board director. He also served as President of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 1985 to 1986. Mr Johnson was appointed a lay member of the University Council in 1986, holding office until 1991 and serving on a number of committees including Financial Planning and Accounts, Audit, and Relations with Industry. On stepping down from the Council, he was co-opted to membership of the Court and continued in this capacity until 2000. He was a staunch supporter of the University, and a source of invariably sound advice. An obituary of Mr Johnson was published in the Yorkshire Post on Saturday, 1 November.

Published: 6 November 2008