Tom Johnson, 87, passed away on October 5, 2026, at the Rutland Regional Medical Center due to complications arising from degenerative neuropathy. He is survived by his wife, Ina Jean Smith; his son, Asa James Johnson; and his brother James Moore Johnson. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Thomas and Jane Johnson, he purchased land in Vermont in 1965 and had resided in East Poultney since 2006. He had been seduced by the beauty of this land which touched him deeply and motivated him.
During his lifetime Tom was a father, husband, teacher, opera lover, glassblower, woodworker, documentary filmmaker and advocate for the public good. He received his bachelor’s degree from Williams College in Williamstown, Mass., and held a master’s degree in fine arts from Stanford University’s Film and Video Department. During his life he made a number of documentary films focusing on American history, including America, Lost and Found and The World of Tomorrow.
In his later life he became a dedicated advocate for the town of Poultney and for the state of Vermont. Among his many projects, he was a major supporter of the efforts to enact universal pre-K and to end childhood hunger in the state. He was a donor and board member of Green Mountain College and Vermont Public Radio. His love of American history extended to the preservation of local history, including helping secure the Stone Valley Arts building and contributing to the Poultney Historical Society.
Thomas’ love of the natural world inspired him to work with the Conservation Fund to preserve hundreds of acres of forest in the hills around Poultney and dedicate them to public use. He also supported outdoor educational opportunities for the local elementary and high schools and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.
A public memorial will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m., at Stone Valley Arts (145 East Main St., Poultney, VT). In lieu of flowers or other gestures, please send a donation to the Poultney Food Shelf (c/o Poultney Town Offices, 9 Main St., Poultney VT 05764) or the Young at Heart Senior Center (206 Furnace St., Poultney VT 05764). Thomas viewed them as essential to the community and supported them during his lifetime.