Visitation today for man who created Jewel-Osco concept
A former Jewel executive, who helped engineer the grocery store chain from stand-alone markets into the Jewel-Osco combination store concept, has passed away.
Clifford Johnson spent 37 years with Jewel, including positions as executive vice president of real estate, construction and development, and ultimately, vice president of Jewel companies, before he retired in 1986.
The longtime Arlington Heights resident passed away on July 9, at the age of 85.
"Jewel was a pioneer in the food drug combination store, and Cliff was instrumental in its development, in terms of the real estate and physical layout of the stores," said Chuck Thor, who followed Mr. Johnson as Jewel's real estate director.
"His influence was felt throughout the chain, and beyond," Thor added, "through the number of people he trained and brought up through the company."
Mr. Johnson was a decorated war hero before he joined Jewel, having served as an Army sergeant during World War II, and a tank commander landing on Normandy the third day after the invasion. He later was injured in the Battle of the Bulge, earning him the Purple Heart.
Before leaving for the Army, Mr. Johnson started college at Michigan State University, where he received a football scholarship. When he returned from the war, Mr. Johnson resumed his college career at Northwestern University.
Mr. Johnson joined Jewel in 1959 where he was instrumental in the acquisitions of Eisner Food Stores and Osco Drug, which later would lead to the Jewel-Osco concept stores.
"At first they were built side by side," Thor said, "and later were under one roof with a wall dividing them as separate stores before they ultimately became one. It was a one-stop-shop concept."
During his years with Jewel, Mr. Johnson and his wife, Mitzi raised their four children in Arlington Heights, where they were active in the community. Mr. Johnson lent his expertise in real estate development to the village's plan commission, serving as its chairman beginning in 1967.
"He was very smart, very deep in his thinking and a great negotiator," says Norval Stephens, whom Mr. Johnson replaced on the commission. "Under him and the village attorney we appointed, Arlington Heights became known as the best village in the area for planning and development."
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mitzi, of Arlington Heights, and four children, including Susan of Indianapolis, Glenn of Arlington Heights, Jeanne of Los Angeles and Bob of Clarendon Hills; as well as 10 grandchildren.
Visitation will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, July 13 at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 916 E. Central Road, in Arlington Heights, where Mr. Johnson was a founding member. The funeral also will be held at the church, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 13.