Robert Wood Johnson III
Encyclopedia
Robert Wood "Bobby" Johnson III (September 9, 1920 – December 22, 1970) was an American philanthropist
and businessman. He was a grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I
(co-founder of Johnson & Johnson
).
. His father was Robert Wood Johnson II
, president and chairman of Johnson & Johnson, and his mother was Elizabeth Dixon Ross Johnson. Johnson grew up an only child.
from 1941-1965. He was president of J&J from 1961–1965, until his father fired him. He was succeeded as president by Philip B. Hofmann, the first non-Johnson family member to head the company since 1887.
Johnson also served for ten years on the board of directors
of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
as president and vice president.
, Keith Johnson, Billy Johnson, Elizabeth "Libet" Johnson, and Christopher Wold Johnson. In 1975, Keith died of a cocaine overdose, and Billy died in a motorcycle accident.
In 1970, Johnson died of cancer at the age of 50.
Philanthropist
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes...
and businessman. He was a grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I
Robert Wood Johnson I
Robert Wood Johnson I was an American industrialist. He was also one of the three brothers who founded Johnson & Johnson.-Early life:...
(co-founder of Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is an American multinational pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer packaged goods manufacturer founded in 1886. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is listed among the Fortune 500....
).
Early life
Johnson was born New Brunswick, New JerseyNew Brunswick, New Jersey
New Brunswick is a city in Middlesex County, New Jersey, USA. It is the county seat and the home of Rutgers University. The city is located on the Northeast Corridor rail line, southwest of Manhattan, on the southern bank of the Raritan River. At the 2010 United States Census, the population of...
. His father was Robert Wood Johnson II
Robert Wood Johnson II
Robert Wood "General" Johnson II was an American businessman. He was one of the sons of Robert Wood Johnson I . He turned the family business into one of the world's largest healthcare corporations.- Early life :Johnson was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey...
, president and chairman of Johnson & Johnson, and his mother was Elizabeth Dixon Ross Johnson. Johnson grew up an only child.
Career
Johnson worked for Johnson & JohnsonJohnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson is an American multinational pharmaceutical, medical devices and consumer packaged goods manufacturer founded in 1886. Its common stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the company is listed among the Fortune 500....
from 1941-1965. He was president of J&J from 1961–1965, until his father fired him. He was succeeded as president by Philip B. Hofmann, the first non-Johnson family member to head the company since 1887.
Johnson also served for ten years on the board of directors
Board of directors
A board of directors is a body of elected or appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of a company or organization. Other names include board of governors, board of managers, board of regents, board of trustees, and board of visitors...
of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is the United States' largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care; it is based in Princeton, New Jersey. The foundation's mission is to improve the health and health care of all Americans...
as president and vice president.
Personal life
Johnson was married to Betty Wold. They had five children: Robert Wood Johnson IVRobert Wood Johnson IV
Robert Wood "Woody" Johnson IV is an American businessman and philanthropist. He is a great-grandson of Robert Wood Johnson I , and the owner of the New York Jets of the National Football League....
, Keith Johnson, Billy Johnson, Elizabeth "Libet" Johnson, and Christopher Wold Johnson. In 1975, Keith died of a cocaine overdose, and Billy died in a motorcycle accident.
In 1970, Johnson died of cancer at the age of 50.