ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, March 18, 1997 TAG: 9703180045
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
MEMO: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.
James "Monty" Johnson, 52, had been principal of the Burton Center since 1982. He was named educator of the year in 1995 by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce.
James "Monty" Johnson was remembered Monday as an educator who was more concerned with seeking recognition for his students and staff than for himself.
"He made a significant contribution to education in Roanoke County, but he wanted others to get the credit," said Marty Robison, assistant superintendent for county schools.
Johnson, principal of the Arnold R. Burton Technology Center, died Sunday as a result of injuries he received in a traffic accident in Bedford County Saturday.
Johnson, 52, had been principal of the Burton Center since 1982. He had been named educator of the year in 1995 by the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce.
He was principal of the Bedford Educational Center from 1974 to 1982.
Johnson helped improve vocational education at the county and state level, but he was also keenly interested in academic programs, Robison said.
"He thought the two went hand in hand," Robison said. "He wanted a blend of the vocational and academic for his students."
Johnson supervised the renovation of the Burton Center and the implementation of several new curriculum projects during his tenure.
"Leaving what I touch a little better is the personal achievement I seek," Johnson once wrote in reviewing his professional and personal achievements.
Johnson was a graduate of Cave Spring High School and Virginia Tech. He had a master's degree in secondary school administration from the University of Virginia.
He taught seven years in Prince William County before he became a principal in Bedford County.
LENGTH: Short : 45 linesby CNB