James Wood Johnson

The largest healthcare company in the world began as a simple partnership among three forward-thinking siblings. We explore the lasting impact James, Edward Mead and Robert Johnson, the company’s first president, had on Johnson & Johnson.

With Valentine’s Day upon us, it’s the perfect time to pay homage to an iconic couple featured in an ad for Red Cross® Kidney Plasters. Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Historian reveals why the public fell so madly in love with it.

There’s a reason the company logo is so recognizable—it’s been around for 130 years. We trace its history, starting with the day it first appeared on a company check signed by its founder.

The company’s first scientific director was responsible for groundbreaking innovations that surgeons use to this day. But there’s a lot more to this Renaissance man’s impressive story.