Christopher Henry Johnson, 43

Chris 'CJ' Johnson was born April 2, 1963, in Aurora, Ill. He 'entered his rest' April 25, 2006.

He attended Saint Paul's Lutheran School in Aurora Ill., and East Aurora High School, where he was on the basketball and football teams.

Chris is survived by his mother, Carol, and predeceased by his father, Wally, who passed on April 11, 2005. Chris also leaves behind the pride and greatest joy of his life, his two special boys: Christopher Jordan and Tyler Bradley, to whom he was extremely dedicated, as well as many close and loving friends.

His mother describes him as: 'Flamboyant in life. He loved life and people, and had a very soft, special spot for children.' To many, he was known as the 'pied piper' of Kalispell, reflective of his love for children.

He was a prolific musician. The guitar, however, was his instrument of choice, and he could make any guitar sing! Chris was exceptionally talented and had the ability to play nearly any instrument, from percussion instruments to the harmonica. He long will be remembered for these gifts and the giving manner in which he nurtured others in them.

He wrote hundreds of songs, produced his own album, and played in his own renowned band, Cool Toyz.

Chris attended Montana State University in Bozeman for three years. He owned and operated J and H Insurance, and I-S Real Estate companies. He assisted many people with their music, media, health insurance and marketing needs. If you needed it done, Chris was the man you called.

Chris was avidly involved in the martial arts. He competed in various Montana martial-arts competitions and assisted with instruction at The Summit with Keichu-do martial arts. He achieved 6th, 7th and 8th Kyu degrees in the Japan Karate Association of Montana and recently was awarded the honor of Kumite Champion.

He was a spiritual man. 'He accepted Jesus as his personal savior, and was committed to pleasing God.' He was an 'exceptionally' decent man. There is not another who could compare to him. 'Chris, you will be sorely missed by all.'

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 5, at the Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, in Kalispell, with burial service afterward.