We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Patrick Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Patrick below.

Patrick, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

One of my former students who was in the program, called me, and thank me for not giving up on him, and all the lessons he learned from me and great word work ethic, when he was on the program! He also told me that he looked up to me as a father figure because his dad wasn’t there for him! He kept telling me over and over that I didn’t realize how great of an impact I had on not only him, but so many others young men doing that time, because they all respected me and appreciated me for what I do for them!

Patrick, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was a security policeman in the United States, Air Force, and before I got out when they came down with the reduction in forces, I began to have dreams about what I’m doing now! When I got out of the Air Force, I began looking for jobs, whereas I could stay in shape work with young people and make a decent living to take care of my family! I worked for Smith county juvenile services in Tyler, Texas and eventually I worked for Harrison County juvenile services in Marshall Texas! I officially started J-STAR Ministries,Inc. in March 2004 to the present! I work with the boys and girls ages 6 to 18 primarily with behavior issues! The program involves respect for authority, physical activity, keeping your grades up, working on your behavior in order to get better, doing community service and give them back to others! I’ve had well over 300 students to graduate and move on to bigger and better things! I have letters from parents I receive visits, phone calls, and some have even come back to help me work with other young students in the past!

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The support that I have from my wife and children & my relationship with Jesus Christ! It’s definitely because of divine intervention that I’m doing what I’ve been called to do! I always say it’s discipline with dignity! The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and so all that I’m doing is simply making a great investment in our future!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

On February 26, 2018 I had a fatal accident and hit and killed a little nine-year-old girl! It was one of the hardest things that I’ve ever dealt with in my life! At that particular time, I was contracting with a local elementary school, middle school, and high school! I had a choice of putting everything on pause for a moment or continuing on, because I felt as if I put things on pause, I will fall into depression! The family of the little girl that I hit the mom after she found out that I work with young people she asked me to never stop doing what I’m doing! My family, her family, the community, and so many people from near & far as well as the students wrote letters and encouraged me at the lowest point in my life! My faith and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave me the strength to continue on this journey, and not give up!

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Patrick Johnson & J-STAR MINISTRIES,Inc.
• Other: I have a book, called the ABC’s of Success, basic principles for navigating life! I’m also on TikTok! I will be back on LinkedIn soon!

Image Credits
Kendrick Hall photography