James Fred Johnson

James Fred Johnson, known to all as Jim, passed away on January 18, 2025, surrounded by love with his family and closest friends at his side. Born, raised, and having spent his entire life in Arizona, Jim was 77 years old.

Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Betty Johnson, and his sister, Claudia Isaacs. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Carol Johnson; his son, Jimmy Johnson; daughter, Jenni Lynn Wagner; granddaughters, Jenaka Brown (Wagner) and Mindi Andea (Wagner); grandson, Jerrimiah Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Felix and Silas Brown, and Paisley Johnson.

Jim graduated from Central High School in 1965, and soon after, he and Carol, who attended first grade at Osborn Elementary together, reconnected on a blind date. Their love story blossomed, culminating in their marriage on May 26, 1967. Together, they shared a wonderful life, filled with love, laughter, and memories that will last forever. Jim retired in 1998 as a mechanical engineer from Motorola, where he worked at the government electronics plant. Beyond his career, Jim was deeply devoted to his family and enjoyed many hobbies. He had a passion for fishing, hunting, and coaching youth sports for his children. In his later years, Jim discovered a strong interest in genealogy and took great pride in tracing his family’s roots. He and Carol settled down into a quiet life where they raised animals, big and small. Though he cared for many, his best fur-buddies were Chong, Maximillian, and Augie. Jim also had a love for classic cars, particularly his cherished 1969 SS 396 4-speed Chevelle. You could find him in his garage restoring his blue beauty, listening to Chicago and The Beach Boys.

Jim will always be remembered for his kind, considerate nature and for being a loving and devoted family man. He was a gentle giant whose first concern was always for the well-being of his loved ones. His legacy of warmth and caring will live on in all who knew him. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed forever. In our hearts, he’s somewhere riding Wildfire.