The JJ Fund

About JJ

James Johnson (JJ) (1952–2024) was a senior software developer at the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute at the University of Minnesota.

JJ was one of the earliest software developers to start using Galaxy and became a rock star in the Galaxy Proteomics community starting in 2014. He contributed in many ways to the growth of Galaxy, which is now used by thousands of people worldwide to advance a wide variety of research projects. JJ developed numerous Galaxy tools and workflows that continue to benefit researchers today, contributing significantly to Galaxy's ToolShed, the Intergalactic Tools Commission, and workflow development.

JJ attended most Galaxy community conferences, including the very first one and GCC 2022. He is featured in the Galaxy Training Network Hall of Fame for his contributions to training and education. JJ always had a heart for training and mentoring students and other researchers who were new to Galaxy—everyone was seeking him out during the Galaxy Community Conferences.

Remembering JJ

JJ's colleagues remember him not just for his technical contributions, but for the kindness and generosity he brought to everyone around him.

"JJ was a steady and critical member of our team. Despite his deep expertise, he would always defer credit on his accomplishments and maintained focus on how the work could improve people's lives. He always kept an eye on the bigger picture reasons for the work we were doing together—to contribute to the scientific body of knowledge."

— Tim Griffin, University of Minnesota

"JJ was a rockstar software developer who created magic through software tools and workflows. He once told a struggling team member: 'There will come a day, not too distant—when you will be the one contributing the most.'"

— Pratik Jagtap, University of Minnesota

"JJ demonstrated boundless generosity of his spirit and had a remarkable gift for lifting those around him. His impact extended far beyond the tools he developed to inspiring minds and offering encouragement."

— Subina Mehta, University of Minnesota

"JJ was a kind and gentle man who made people feel valued. His welcoming emails to nervous newcomers exemplified his character."

— Katherine Do, University of Minnesota

"JJ was prolific, talented, and committed, with character full of kind-heartedness, humor, and sincerity. He was warm and welcoming, inviting colleagues to visit him in Grand Marais. JJ was my mentor."

— Reid Wagner, University of Minnesota

"JJ has brought the true spirit of community tool development into Galaxy, with essential insights for the ToolShed and workflow development. Everyone was seeking him out during the Galaxy Community Conferences."

— Anton Nekrutenko, Penn State

"JJ was so good-hearted and generous, even when circumstances were difficult."

— Bjoern Gruening, University of Freiburg

Our Mission

The JJ Fund supports travel fellowships that help bring new contributors into the Galaxy ecosystem. These fellowships honor JJ's legacy as a contributor and mentor in the Galaxy and University of Minnesota communities.

JJ's accomplishments are many, and these fellowships highlight what he brought to the community while helping it grow.

Support the JJ Fund

Your contribution to the JJ Fund will help bring new contributors into the Galaxy ecosystem while honoring JJ's legacy as a contributor and mentor. Donations directly support graduate students and post-doctoral researchers in attending the Galaxy Community Conference.