The NMMI athletic department and the Pecos Valley community are mourning the tragic loss of coach Robert Johnson IV.
Born in 1987, Johnson served as an assistant coach for the Colt High School baseball program for the past three seasons under head coach Brad Blackwell.
Along with assistant coaches Greg Maloney, Steve Rogers, and Hobbie McClain, Robert continued the playoff prowess of the Colts, making the quarterfinal round of the NMAA’s Class 3A State Championships during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
He also took home the vaunted “Blue Trophy” with a State Championship title last season in 2025.
NMMI Coach And Alumnus Robert Johnson IV Passed Awway Leaving Everyone Devastated
As per the sources, coach Robert Johnson IV passed away in January 2026 at the age of 38. However, the cause of death has not been revealed yet.
NMMI Athletics took to their official Facebook handle to announce the tragic news. They wrote,
The Pecos Valley community and the NMMI Athletic Department mourns the passing of coach Robert Johnson IV, NMMI coach and alumnus, 08JC. Our thoughts and prayers go out to coach Johnson and all the people impacted by his constant cheerful attitude, enthusiastic encouragement, and dogged determination, even during his continued battle with cancer. Below is a quote the Old Post has historically read during Silver Taps when acknowledging the deceased, originally intended to honor cadet George O. Speer, 1933 JC, who was killed in a Polo Game: “BUT IF THEY ARE GONE FROM OUR RANKS, WE KEEP THEM ON OUR ROSTER AS VALUES ONCE INTIMATELY KNOWN AND AVAILABLE IN OUR RECOLLECTIONS, AND IN OUR HEARTS. THEY WILL REMAIN FOREVER YOUNG.” Thank you coach RJ: in our hearts, you truly will remain forever young!
NMMI Athletics
Richard Maxey took to the comment section and sent prayers to NMMI staff members and Robert’s family.
Condolences to the athletes and staff members at NMMI AND TO HIS FAMILY
Richard Maxey
Stephanie Barncastle wrote,
Sending condolences to NMMI and his family and friends.
Stephanie Barncastle
Jake Caldwell, a crop agent at Sustainable Crop Insurance Service, also took to his Facebook handle and offered heartfelt condolences.
Sug,
jake Caldwell
You will be missed young man. It was a privilege to coach you and watch you grow into a young man. Seeing you coaching with the passion for the game is inspiring. Prayers to your family and close friends. You’re one of the good ones young man!
RIP
Ej Cannon, a graduate of New Mexico State University, wrote,
Heaven gained a great cousin, teammate, and friend. Rest in Heaven cousin!
Ej Cannon
Other close ones and relatives have also poured their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Robert’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
His family will soon reveal the funeral service schedule.
Robert will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions as a coach at NMMI athletics.
Rest in Heaven, Robert Johnson IV.
Friends And Relatives Poured Heartfelt Condolences to Robert Johnson’s Parents
Robert Johnson IV was born to his mother, Rhonda Reagor Johnson, and his father, Robert Johnson.
They always supported Robert in achieving his personal and professional dreams.
As per Rhonda’s Facebook handle, she is from Denver, Colorado, and studied Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision/Addictions at Texas Tech University.
Recently, Rhonda took to her Facebook and mourned the loss of her son, Robert. She wrote,
My dear son Robert Rob Johnson, the second born of my four; my “quad”.
Rhonda Reagor Johnson
I loved you before you were born and will love you forever. I promised you I would not leave you and would stick by you through it all.
Seeing you grow from that sweet little Robbie into the man you became was beyond truly inspiring. I am so very grateful that we were given 38 years with you.
You overcame much my son, especially during the years spaning from the onset of your battle with that unrelenting disease. You never gave up and you continued to fight to your last breath.
I will miss your kindness, your tenacity, your calls and texts. I miss you my son.
Now my dear sweet son, no more pain; you can rest.
In the comment section, friends and relatives offered their prayers to Rhonda. Nikia Browne wrote,
Shalom sis.I am so sorry for your loss.Praying for Elohim’s comfort to u and family during this time.Sending u my love.
Nikia Browne
Kelly Torske wrote,
I am so sorry, Rhonda. You and your family are in my prayers. Big hugs
Kelly Torske
