Mar. 11, 1958 - April 29, 2010SOUTH BEND - Our special angel Jim went home to be with Jesus. He was born March 11, 1958 in South Bend, the son of Floyd L. & Alice (Ponto) Johnson. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice in 1982, father, Floyd in 1992, and two brothers, John Johnson in 1991, and Roland Johnson in 2005. Those left to cherish his memory are sister, De (Paul) Ashley; nephew, Kelly Keller (Tanya), great niece, Erin, niece, Sheila Kish (Mike) great-nephews, Brayden and Jerad, niece, Deva Ashley, great-niece, Paige, nephew, Bryan Ashley (Shelley), niece, Patty Myers (Bill) great-nephew, William; his aunt, Evelyn Clarmont; and his brother Bill (Darlene). He loved the Lord with all his heart. His great joy was to sing praise and to worship at his church, Christ Chapel, where he has been a member for the past five years. Members of the congregation have said what an inspiration he was to them. A grateful thank you for the prayer and support of Pastors Stephen and Diane Sumrall, Pastor Steve Coyle, his wife Barb, and elders Larry & Carol Renbarger and Joe and Mary Delgado. Jim loved his family just as much as we loved him. He always said his family came first. During his journey, Jim made many friends along the way. He loved all his Special Olympic team mates and the people at Logan Center, especially Dana Griggs. Jim began Special Olympics in the spring of 1993. He started out as a power weight lifter where he won many medals including the gold. He played basketball and ended his participation in 2008 as a Bocce ball player again winning more gold medals. He especially loved his Bocce team and his coach "Pot" Palmer. Jim worked at Logan Industries for three and one half years, where he made many friends. Jim spent most of his weekends with his friends at Logan Center, going on wonderful outings that took him many places. He loved sailing, going to the zoo, football and baseball games and the movies. His favorite though, was going to the dances at Logan Center where he would dance the night away showing his many moves. Other activities he enjoyed were his artwork, music of all kinds, making cookies and shopping with his sister. He loved roller coasters and traveling. Jim touched many peoples lives through his love and generosity. In the past six months, on his journey to heaven, he would melt people's hearts with his wonderful smile. While in the hospital, day after day, people would come to his room just for a Jimmy smile that would "make their day". He will be especially missed by his "best" nephew, Kelly (Tanya) and Erin, great nephew Brayden, niece Patty (Bill) and William, his aunt Evelyn, and his good friends Jerry Cartwright and Coleman Love. Most of all he will be greatly missed by his sister, De, and his "best bud" Paul who loved him with all their hearts and have had the honor and privilege of being with him for over nineteen years. We rest in the knowledge that we will soon be with Jim again when we will see him in the glory that will be his. Jim was and always will be the bravest man we have ever known. He is our hero. Services celebrating Jim's life will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 3, at Christ Chapel, 3402 Locust Road, South Bend. Rev. Stephen Sumrall will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his parents. The family will receive friends from 1 to 4 & 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 South Michigan Street, South Bend and one hour prior to services Monday at the Church. Expressions of sympathy on behalf of Jim Johnson may be offered to Christ Chapel. Online condolences to the Johnson family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com