James Michael Johnson

He was born to Bernice (Teeters) Johnson and Merlin Ferdinand Johnson on October 6, 1930 in Minneapolis, Mn.

His early life was spent among family in Fifield, Wisconsin, loosing his father when he was 13 years old, he helped his mom with his younger siblings and maintaining the income through the insurance business. He attended public schools before graduating from Fifield High School in 1948.

He enlisted in the US Air Force and served as a navigator in B-52 bombers attaining the rank of Staff Sargent during the Korean War. He met the love of his life, LaNelle Renfroe Johnson, while stationed in Biloxi, MS. and they married on December 16th, 1952. Sadly, his mother passed away in 1954, and he assumed full-time care for his 2 little brothers.

After completing his military service, he worked full time at a family owned gas station before relocating to Mississippi (where LaNelle’s family resided) to attend Millsaps College at night in Jackson, MS., managing to graduate with a business degree which he utilized to secure his career position in computer system sales and marketing manager (30 years) for Burroughs (Unisys) Corporation.

Mike’s career advancements moved the growing family to Falls Church, VA then to Malvern, PA then they finally relocated to Vienna, VA where they finished raising their family until his retirement in 1986. They then moved to Park Falls, WI for 10 years of retirement living.

Mickey and LaNelle made their final move in 1999 to oversee construction of his son’s home in Jamul, CA which included their cozy granny flat which they enjoyed until his death.

Mickey loved his role as patriarch of a large and loving family. He was preceded in death by son, Michael (Mary Ann), and is proud father of daughters, Michaele Moore (Alan), Melanie Johnson (his loving caretaker), Mary Medina (Tony) and Margaret Gomez (Carlos). along with 11 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Mickey maintained a very close relationship with his siblings. He was preceded in death by sister Mary Jane Fellinger, and is survived by sisters Nancy Vutchitich and Margaret Bolden, and his two beloved brothers, Patrick and Luke Timothy Johnson, along with many treasured nieces, nephews, and a large and loving extended family.

Mike enjoyed active sports like skiing, golfing, sailing, and bike riding as a young man, and more recently loved his daily walks, reading, working crossword puzzles and watching Fox News.

He found particular solace in the Jamul haven sited in the foothills, smoking cigars with his son, and relaxing under the backyard palapa with his visiting daughters and grandchildren.

Friends, and others whose lives were touched by James Michael Johnson are invited to join his family to celebrate his life at a Graveside service at Singing Hills Memorial Park, El Cajon, CA 92019 on Friday, July 15th at 11am, This will be followed by a reception at home, 2772 Vista Del Piedra, Jamul.

While we have lost the physical presence of this caring man, heaven has welcomed a good and kind soul. God Bless him and keep him always.