James “Jim” was born in Danbury, son of the late Stacey and Pauline Johnson on April 3, 1948. He graduated from Danbury High School and later joined the U.S. Navy. After meeting the love of his life Susan E. Johnson (predeceased) at Dayton Rogers, they got married in 1974.
He was a volunteer firefighter for Beckerle Hose Co. #9 before transitioning to the Danbury Fire Department local 801, completing 40 years of service. He served as Firefighter, Lieutenant, and Deputy Fire Marshal, before retiring as Fire Marshal in 2013. He was a long time member of the Board of Directors of Hat City Music Theatre Inc. and was also a member of the Common Council for the City of Danbury, representing the second ward. During his retirement, he enjoyed bee keeping, working outside in his yard, road trips with his dog, Daphne, and supporting his grandchildren every chance he could.
Jim is survived by his two sons; James S. Johnson and wife Courtney of Memphis, TN and Stephen Johnson and wife Kathleen of Danbury; his grandchildren: Alexis, Nicole, Georgia, Noah, Abel, and Silas, as well as his sister Laura and husband David Katz of Danbury, his beloved dog Daphne, and many nieces and nephews. Additionally, Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Robert D. Johnson.
Funeral services will be held at the Green Funeral Home, 57 Main St., Danbury, on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Wooster Cemetery, 20 Ellsworth Ave., Danbury. Friends may call at the Green Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the American Heart Association.