James "Jim" Johnson

James (Jim) George Johnson was born in Stony Run Township in Yellow Medicine County, MN on June 20, 1940, to Arthur and Leona Johnson. He graduated High School in Clarkfield, MN. Jim meet Mary Agnes Lunderville when area churches gathered for a revival meeting at his church. They were married on April 4, 1962, in Milbank, SD. Jim enlisted in the army at this same time. They loaded “all their worldly belongings” , in the back seat of their car and headed to Texas . He served from 1962-1964. After the army, they moved back north and bought a home and hobby farm in Granite Falls, MN. There they were blessed with their three daughters, Rita, Connie, and Penny. Jim and Mary both loved hospitality and serving others in many ways. One of those ways was in the Assembly of God church. While he was quiet about his faith in some ways, many times his actions spoke for themselves. Impromptu visits for coffee, a friendly handshake, and showing up for all the church workdays. Talk to him long enough and he’d point out “there are only a few basic rules in life”. His gift of service also helped in his job. He was employed with UPS as a driver and enjoyed his daily interactions with his co-workers and customers. He also loved working around his hobby farm and later he learned the art of woodturning.

After 30+ yrs of employment, Jim retired from UPS in 1998 and honed those woodturning skills into a beautiful art. He blessed many with his wooden creations. In 2001, Jim and Mary found their ideal retirement home in Rushford, MN which brought them much closer to their grandchildren. They loved being close and were intracule parts of their lives. Family and friends were always welcome and encouraged to stop by. The coffee pot was always ready and there were always treats. In 2004, after Mary passed away, Jim continued to use his gifts to bless his family, friends, church, and community. The annual “Grandpa’s week” with his grandchildren was highly anticipated. Any kind of family gatherings brought him much joy, if he was invited, he would be there. It was not uncommon to see him on his John Deere, coming and going around town helping a neighbor or friend. He always said he had the best job on the work site. He got to sit and do all the heavy lifting with just a push of a lever, and everyone was happy to see him. Many a fun night was also spent with his special friend Barb and her family playing peg and jokers, with lots of sass and a twinkle in his eye. Jim welcomed a multitude of loved ones and visitors into his home over the years. 

Jim passed away peacefully in his home on October 1, 2024 at the age of 84. His Daughters are so thankful to his wonderful caregivers Lauri, Wendy, and Verna. They also send a special thank you to the Gundersen Lutheran Hospice team. 

Jim is survived by his 3 daughters, Rita McChesney, Connie (Keith) Drabant and Penny (Brian-) Brown. 6 Grandchildren: Mason, Abbey and Courtney Drabant. Alyssa, Garrett and Cameron Brown. 2 Sisters: Virginia Pratt and Arda (Lee) Nelsen, Sisters-in-laws; Marge Liebe, Karen (Steve) Vaudrey, Phyllis (Lyle) Schultz, Rona Muelenberg, Nyla (Gregg) Daggett and many treasured nieces and nephews, and special friend Barb Jonsgaard and families.

Jim is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, his parents, Art and Leona, brothers Ken and Vern, infant sister June, 7 brother in laws, 5 sister in laws, 3 nephews. 

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 at the Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford MN from 4:30pm-7:30pm. A celebration of life service will take place Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11AM with a visitation at 10AM at Root River Community Church, 503 Nannestad Lane, Rushford, MN 55971.