Dan Johnson Obituary, Death – After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Dan (DJ) Johnson passed away this morning. Our hearts are broken as we share the news with you all. Coach Deej had been employed as a teacher and administrator at West Chicago Community High School for the better part of the past thirty years, and in addition to those roles, he had held the positions of Head Swim Coach and Aquatics Director there. DJ was recognized as the State Coach of the Year in 1989 and 1991 while he was leading the Wildcats as their head coach. In 1991, the Wildcats finished third at the IHSA State Meet.
As the head coach of the West Chicago Sharks, Coach Deej was also actively involved in the community and played an important part there. DJ earned a reputation as one of the best coaches in the state while he was in charge of the Sharks and helped produce a large number of athletes who went on to compete at the sectional, junior national, and national levels. During his time as an employee of the Sharks, DJ held a number of positions at the state and zone levels and promoted the group as one that cherished the motto “Work Hard, Swim Fast, and Have Fun.”
The most essential aspects of Coach Deej’s job have been to act as a father figure, a guide, and a friend to the countless swimmers, coaches, and parents with whom he has collaborated over the years. DJ was a good man who had a smile permanently plastered on his face and worked hard to be there for his students and athletes when they needed someone to lean on. He was a cherished person in the eyes of all those who were familiar with him. Our hearts go out to Coach DJ’s family and to all those who knew and loved him. Please accept our condolences.