Sunday, April 12, 2015

Tommy "TJ" Johnson



2014 was a tough year. With the passing of my partner Ray early in the year and with the loss of TJ last August. TJ was a man of integrity. He never had a bad word to say about anyone.

Last week family and friends said a final farewell as his ashes were scattered across the hills he loved to hike.

I first met him as him as he sat in front of his camper reading Oklahoma Treasures and Treasure Tales with his dog Harley at his side. I knew at that moment we would become friends.

Over the years we hiked many trails and chased numerous treasures. TJ was part mountain goat. For a guy in his 70's he was tough to stay up with. He loved being outdoors and always wanted to see what was over the next hill.

His stories of searching for treasure in decades past were always entertaining. The call of treasure took him to many states and digging for Spanish treasure nearly took his life. It's through him I learned the dangers of pack rats and the hantavirus.

TJ came by treasure hunting naturally. His dad found the Amarillo Starlight. It is the largest diamond found at Crater of Diamonds since it became a state park.

His spirit will travel with me as I continue the hunt. He will be missed but lives on in the memories of those who knew him.



3 comments:

Justin b. said...

Just curious what parts of Oklahoma do you explore? And anything worth searching for here? I'm from Oklahoma from Greer county. Looking for gemstones and gemstones would be a great experience or hobby ide like to start any suggestions where to search in Oklahoma? I'm presently in the military.

okie treasure hunter said...

Gemstones in Oklahoma are few and far between but we have a number of minerals and fossil specimens to search for. There's also Spanish, outlaw, and gangster loot to be found as well as native artifacts.

Unknown said...

Okie treasure Hunter I live in muscadine Al. I have found a mound that is unique and different from typical mounds in the u.s. I think I have found the winter city of de Soto please get in touch with me