David Cordt Johnson

David Cordt Johnson, born January 26, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 5, 2026 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Dave graduated from DePauw University and has advanced degrees from Cornell University and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. He spent his career in higher education administration holding positions with Lafayette College, the University of Virginia, Harvard University, and the University of Richmond. He founded West Avenue Associates in 2013 which advised leadership of non-profit organizations.

Dave was admired for his professional wisdom and dedication but even more for his generosity, kindness, and light-heartedness.

He is survived by his strong and supportive wife, Mary Emma ‘Mimi’ Herington; his sons, Joel Johnson, Todd Johnson, and Ross Herington; his brother, Ken Johnson; his sister, Jennifer Osborne; and six grandchildren, Alister, Dylan, June, Etta, Reece, and Riley. He also leaves behind ‘Una Muffin’, his five-year-old Havanese pup who was a shining light in his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Cordt Johnson and Wilma Johnson; brother, Philip Johnson; and his nephew, Hugh Osborne.

Dave was a past member of the Commonwealth Club and Willow Oaks Country Club. He was a dedicated member of St. James’s Episcopal Church where he was a member of the West Gallery Choir. He served on the Vestry and on numerous committees over the past 18 years.

He was an avid historian and reader with a deep interest in books pertaining to WWII. Dave and Mimi loved traveling the world together and meeting many wonderful friends along the way.

He was loved by many and will be remembered for his gentle humor, warmth, and steady presence.

The family would like to thank his healthcare providers at St. Mary’s Bon Secours and also heartfelt gratitude to the care-giving team at Westminster Canterbury Parsons Healthcare Center for their dedication during the final months of his life.

Dave’s life and 80th birthday are going to be celebrated at St. James’s Episcopal Church on February 6, 2026 at 11am.

If inclined, a memorial gift may be made to the Endowment Fund at St. James’s Episcopal Church, 1205 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23220.