Among the world's fastest boats racing at the Bayfair in Mission Bay this weekend, one in particular has drawn a huge crowd.
It’s not because of its speed, but because of whose name is written on it—Jeffrey “JJ” Johnson.
Jeff Johnson is one of two people who tragically died in a plane crash in Santee over two weeks ago. The day before he died, friends say he was organizing a gathering for the Bayfair races this weekend.
“We planned on his 100 closest friends being here today, we ended up with more than 500 people. It was just an outpouring of people from all over the nation coming in for him,” said Kevin Aylesworth Johnson’s best friend for the last 25 years and business partner for 18 years.
Together they ran the business ‘All Access’ and raced boats around the world, eventually winning a world championship in Canada. Johnson was the owner, while Aylesworth was the driver.
“The boat that we raced today was the last boat that we built in San Diego under Jeff's leadership. And we named it number 21 because of Jeff, That was his favortie number,” Aylesworth said. “Jeff just loved life. I mean he only lived until 50, but he lived every day to the fullest.”
All the way up until about two weeks ago, when the husband and father of five tragically died in a plane crash in Santee.
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Aylesworth remembered, “Everyday was full of fun and excitement and...I'll miss him...hard...hard to not have him here.”
It wasn’t too difficult to spot those who were at the races for Johnson. Hundreds of them wore black t-shirts with ‘Jeff’ written on the back next to a cross. Other shirts had the question ‘What would Jeff do?’ written on the back, followed by a list of dozens of Johnson’s accomplishments and then the words ‘Live an incredible and unforgettable life.’
That line is the legacy that Jeff left behind for all who knew him.
“If I could have Jeff here today I'd give up everything cause...Jeff made this world. I raised boats before I met him but I didn't raise boats like he wanted us to. He took everything to the highest level of life and if he was here today he'd be proud.”
The boat has had two successful days of racing at Mission Bay. It will be back out on the water on Monday to finish up the races.
