3/4/1936 - 11/8/2021
James Allen Johnson of Portland was born on March 4, 1936 in Montpelier,
Indiana and went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 8, 2021 at age
85 in Parkview Hospital Randallia in Fort Wayne. After continually
surprising his family and healthcare team by living 40 plus years with heart
issues, he has laid down his burden. He was preceded in death by his parents
Mildred and Levi and brothers Donald and William. He is survived by his
cherished wife Marjorie, brothers Ronald (Sandy) Johnson and Robert (Pamela)
Johnson, children Valerie (Phillip) Lines, Douglas (Barbara) Johnson and
Kenneth (Lisa) Johnson. Seven grandchildren Megan (Bruce) Feige, Patricia
(Mark) Bisoski, Justin Johnson, Emily (Austin) Haberly, Benjamin Johnson,
Darrell James Johnson and Jennifer Johnson, and six great grandchildren.
James knew the meaning of dedicated service. He retired as a Master
Sargent from the United States Air Force after 21 years, serving in Alaska,
Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Canada, Scotland and England. After retiring
from the USAF, he worked as an electronics technician while earning his
teaching degree at Ball State University. He brought the use of computers
and internet to Jay County Schools and taught technology at Jay County High
School until retiring in 1998. James furthered his civic service as a member
of Lions Club and councilman for Portland City Council. He was a faithful
member of Asbury United Methodist Church.
After retiring from
teaching, Jim became a snowbird with Marj, settling for half the year in
Southern Pines Retirement Community in Frostproof, Florida. His favorite
activities in Florida included golfing and fishing, bringing home his bounty
to share with his family each year. He and Marj indulged their travel bugs
by visiting all 50 states and also traveled to Australia.
The joy of
Jim's life was his family. His family will forever cherish the memories of
tickling grandpa's feet to steal his chair, camping all over the eastern
United States, fishing, learning, and being loved by this great man. Our
family is all here today because a young man was charming enough to convince
a brave young farm girl to fly across the country to start a new life
together in Alaska. We couldn't be more thankful for the love, support and
guidance he has shown throughout his lifetime. While we have to say goodbye,
we are grateful for the lessons of love and encouragement that we will carry
with us and pass on.
Funeral services will be Friday November 12,
2021 at 10:00 AM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Boggs
presiding. Burial will follow with military honors at Gravel Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM. Memorials can be made to
Jay County Heart Fund of Asbury United Methodist Church.
Baird-Freeman Funeral Home; November 9, 2021
Contributed by Jim Cox
Buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery