Alan James Johannesen

I wanted to take some time to THANK EVERYONE for the encouragement and support. The stream of well wishes and shared memories have been so uplifting during a really tough time for our family.

“Jim” or “Jimmy” Johannesen passed away peacefully in his home on February 11, 2025 after a year-long journey with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Born on July 27, 1948 in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Jim was known for his generous spirit, quiet strength, creativity, sense of humor and his ability to see art in nature.

Jim graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1966, where he was a member of the varsity gymnastics team. He loved his Gibson B-25N acoustic guitar. His gymnastic pursuits continued at the University of Oklahoma where he was a Varsity Letter winner in 1968 and 1970. In 1969, he helped lead his team to second place for the Big Eight Championship with his performance on the parallel bars. He was a member of the ATO fraternity, proud Boomer Sooner and cherished his reunion visits back to his alma mater with friends.

After his athletic career, Jim spent the next 33 years working with Pepper Construction. His work ethic and creativity served him well working on some of Chicagoland’s most important buildings including the beluga whale tank at the Shedd Aquarium, Marshall Fields on State, The Drake Hotel and corporate mega campuses like W.W. Grainger and AT&T.

Jim was a skilled carpenter with the ability to fix, repair, or build anything. His projects were never ending and there were often several going at the same time in his workshop. He was always happy to help friends and family and was generous with his time and skills. Odds are if you’re reading this, he helped you fix or make something!

Jim’s creativity had few boundaries. As a talented artist, he could sketch, paint and watercolor. A skilled craftsman he could weld and whittle. His love of music extended to playing guitar and being a talented songwriter. And, as if that weren’t enough, he knew his way around the kitchen making the best soups, chili, chutneys, and sandwiches. Many of his creations were inspired by loved ones, past and present, or new things he had learned from reading or traveling. He was an artist that valued a process and allowed his creativity to guide him.

Jim’s greatest sense of pride and joy was his family. He was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was a constant source of support and strength and he approached life with kindness, creativity, and an adventurous spirit that inspires us every day to live in his example. We are so thankful for the love and care he’s given us all.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother and father Mary and John Johannesen. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Diana (Wohlgemuth) Johannesen, their children Kate (Matt) Rapata, Kristin (James) Watrach, Kayla (Evan) Erwin, grandchildren Ian Rapata, Bailey and AJ Watrach, Wilde and Willa Erwin and his brothers John (Patty) Nichols and Larry (Dana) Martinson Johannesen.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

The Avondale Moose Lodge 1572 S. Cotton Ln, Goodyear AZ 85338

In Honor of Jim Johannesen

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on May 4th, 2025 at 2 PM at The Avondale Moose Lodge, 1572 S. Cotton Ln. Goodyear, AZ 85338