James Johnson Obituary


JAMES ROY JOHNSON
September 18, 1942 ~ August 18, 2015
Jim Johnson passed away on August 18, 2015 at home. How do you sum up a man's life in a few words and do him justice? He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a world traveller, a wine lover, an engineer, a die-hard Cougar, and most importantly, a good and generous man.
He began his career as an engineer at Alcoa. He moved on to consulting at Sandwell Engineering, before joining Electrical Construction Company. He worked there for 25 years until his retirement in 2002.
His quick mind and dry wit never faltered as he battled thyroid cancer, Parkinson's disease, esophageal dysphagia, and pneumonia.
He is survived by his brother, Charlie; his sons, Chris and Pat; his grandchildren, Elise, Caius, Taylor, and Ainsley; and his wife of 48 years, Susie.
There will be a remembrance party for friends and family in October. For information regarding the time, date, and place please email [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors' Association or to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

Published by The Columbian on Sep. 20, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Jim--A wonderful neighbor, neighborhood activist, a helping hand over many years beginning with being a founder and the first and longtime president of the West Hazel Dell Neighborhood Association. Jim lead the battle to successfully fight off unscrupulous developers. He lead the charge to insure that Jorgenson Woods would not be sold to the highest bidder but would be preserved for future generations. Early on, Jim cleared the way for what is now a beautiful little park with native plants and small animals returning. He worked on behalf of the neighborhood on the Clark County Comprehensive Plan urging the Planning Commission and the County Commissioners to preserve the low density residential zoning resisting the concerted efforts of a few for high density apartments.

Jim has left a lasting legacy through his wonderful and accomplished sons and their families and in his steadfastness to preserve his neighborhood as a great place to live as it was for his sons.

Jim is greatly missed and his memory will be forever cherished. We miss not seeing him in his daily tasks out working in the yard with Susie, retrieving the mail and taking his daily walks with Susie and Nancy. We love and miss his sense of humor, his helping hand as we tried to learn how to use our Apple 2 E or needed to know how to solve a complicated mathematical problem in building a handicap ramp.

Carol and Larry Hansen

October 7, 2015

Jim, Jim, Jim...we had a 'bumpy' start to our friendship 20 some yrs ago...me and my red 'correction' pen ran up against your Engineer Side. But we soon got round that when you and Susie 'came to my rescue' far away in Boston, MA. Ever since then I found delight and pleasure in being part of your lives...drinking too much of your 'special wine' from your wine cellar; travelling on New Yrs Eve to Paris--celebrating with lots of Champagne; enjoying laughs and food (imbibing or course) at various & sundry restaurants about town...the best being Susie's Kitchen; Pat's wedding; vicariously enjoying your world travel thru photos and conversation; crying over lost dogs; gossiping about past co-workers; and one of the bestest gifts ever received: you and Susie made me a going-away CD when I left for 2 yrs on a sailboat adventure entitled: Linda's Odyssey--used often and to this very day despite scratches & flaws--Tears came to my eyes this morning when I listened again to this treasure and the song by Sarah Brightman came on, "Time to Say Good-bye"...

Linda Miller

October 3, 2015

Susie and Jim were always the most fun couple in the room. Margo's and my lives were charmed by their sweetness and solicitude for others. Happiness was to be included in any social event at Chez Johnson. Thank you, Jim, for your wisdom, humor and warmth. Sleep well, O good and faithful servant.

Lee Flegel

September 26, 2015

To the family of Jim,
My husband and I only recently met Jim (and Susie) during a trip to Machu Picchu in January 2013. We were immediate fans of two people who are genuinely nice, friendly, kind, open minded, wonderful folks! We loved them so much, we traveled with them to SE Asia for 30 days. Again, their genuineness made the trip so memorable. We were lucky to get to know Jim. Our distant hugs continue to embrace Susie and her family. You truly lost a great person in your life. May his memories carry you through the roughest of days.

Denise and Dave Currin

September 21, 2015

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in James Johnson's name

Memorial Events
for James Johnson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Johnson's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more