The Inspiring Love Story of Jimmie Johnson and Chandra Janway: A Complete Family Guide

NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson addressed the challenge of dealing with the loss of multiple family members, including his wife Chandra Janway Johnson's parents and brother. Johnson expressed his devastation and gratitude for the overwhelming love and support received during this incredibly sorrowful period, sharing his heartfelt message on Instagram on July 28th.

Officials discovered the lifeless bodies of the three family members belonging to the illustrious seven-time NASCAR champion on June 26 in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Responding to a distress call citing a disturbance and gunshots, local law enforcement arrived at the scene.

According to Lynn Hamlin, the spokesperson for Muskogee Police, preliminary investigations indicate that Terry Lynn Janway fatally shot her husband, Jack Janway, as well as their 11-year-old grandson Dalton, before turning the weapon upon herself.

Johnson withdrew from the NASCAR Cup Series event in Chicago immediately following the deaths. Legacy Motor Club, his racing team, issued a statement stating that the Johnson family had requested privacy and no further statements would be made. NASCAR, the racing organization, also released a statement expressing their sadness and offering their utmost support and condolences to Chandra Johnson, Jimmie Johnson, and both the Johnson and Janway families during this challenging time.

Learn more about Jimmie Johnson and Chandra Janway Johnson's extended family as you scroll down.

Gary Johnson and Catherine “Cathy” Johnson (née Dunnill)

Jimmie's upbringing revolved around his father, Gary, who worked as a truck driver for B.F. Goodrich and later pursued a career as a heavy equipment construction operator. In addition to this, his mother, Cathy, fulfilled the role of a school bus driver. Together, they provided a nurturing environment for Jimmie and his brothers, residing in a modest two-bedroom residence located in El Cajon, California. This suburb offered a close proximity to San Diego, where the family had settled.

Courtesy of Jimmie Johnson/Facebook

Jack Janway and Terry Lynn Janway

Chandra’s dad, who was a chiropractor, had several children with his wife Terry Lynn. Sadly, both Jack and Chandra’s mother lost their lives in a tragic incident in June 2023. Jack, aged 68, was fatally shot, while Chandra’s mother, at the age of 69, also fell victim to a gunshot. The police investigation indicates that Chandra's mother is believed to have killed her husband, grandson Dalton, and then took her own life.

Jarit Johnson and Jessie Johnson

Jarit Johnson, Jimmie's elder brother, has made a name for himself as a skilled race car driver in both NASCAR and Off Road. Likewise, Jessie, Jimmie's younger brother, also competes as a race car driver.

Courtesy of Jarit Johnson/Instagram

Genevieve “Geni” Johnson and Lydia Johnson

Jimmie and Chandra welcomed their first daughter, Genevieve on July 7, 2010 and second daughter, Lydia, on September 6, 2013.

Courtesy of Jimmie Johnson/Instagram

Marianne Janway

Chandra’s younger sister is mom to teenage son Seth, who lives with father John Robison. She was also mom to the late Dalton.

Jordan Janway

Chandra’s younger brother died at age 27 in 2014 after a skydiving accident.

Caleb Janway

Terry Lynn and Jack are survived by son Caleb in addition to daughters Chandra and Marianne.

Dalton Janway

Chandra's nephew resided predominantly with Terry Lynn and Jack before tragically being killed in a shooting at the age of 11 in June 2023.

Reflecting on his upbringing, Seth revealed to the Daily Mail that his mother, Marianne, had struggled with drug abuse following the untimely passing of his half-brother Dalton. "For a significant period, she battled with this issue until she made the courageous decision to seek help a few years ago. It was her personal struggle."

He said, "Dalton's father was absent for a significant portion of his life, and my mother had to seek assistance from another place. Fortunately, our grandparents were there to provide him with care. He had been living with them for most of his life. I first met him when he was about two or three years old, shortly after he was adopted by our family."