James "Ross" Johnson

James Ross Johnson, known to most simply as Ross, passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 75, in Omaha. He was surrounded by family and love, just as he had surrounded others throughout his life. His death followed a courageous and difficult battle with metastatic melanoma, diagnosed in October 2024.

Ross was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1950, and grew up on a farm outside Rushville, Nebraska. He was the fourth of six children born to Wilbur Johnson and Fannie (Reitz) Johnson, both of whom preceded him in death.

Ross’s education began in a one-room schoolhouse, but his curiosity and ambition extended far beyond it. He was the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. This achievement was especially meaningful given his parents’ own formal educations were cut short by necessity.

While at UNL, Ross met the love of his life, Dorothy (Dietrich). They married in June 1973, just after Ross graduated, and shared more than 52 years together — a partnership defined by devotion, mutual respect, and steady companionship. Ross was not religious, but his love for Dorothy guided his actions. He supported her Lutheran faith, simply because it mattered to her. Ross was Dorothy’s best friend — always supportive, encouraging, and steadfastly by her side through every chapter of their life together.

Ross built a career in computer programming during the early days of the field, working for First Data Resources, Peter Kiewit & Sons, and Northwestern Bell, later part of US West. After the birth of his daughter, Ross and Dorothy briefly returned to western Nebraska to farm. Farming proved incredibly difficult, and after the birth of their son two years later, the family returned to Omaha. Still, Ross ensured his children knew their roots, making the long drive across Nebraska to visit family several times a year.

In the early 1990s, he became part of a team that designed Nebraska’s digital court system while working as an independent contractor for Nebraska’s Judicial Branch. He remained in that role until his retirement in 2019. Long before remote work became common, Ross transitioned to working from home, a change that suited both his practical nature and his devotion to family.

Ross was a devoted husband and an extraordinary father to his two children, Sara and Philip. He and Dorothy rarely missed a game, meet, concert, recital, or school event — for their own children and later for their grandchildren. He was the kind of parent who would do anything for his kids, without hesitation or complaint. Sara spoke with him nearly every day, whether about the daily grind, politics, or monumental life moments. Their bond remained strong through every stage of life.

He had the rare joy of working closely with his son Philip, whom he helped bring into his professional world. For years they either commuted together to Lincoln or worked side by side from Ross and Dorothy’s home office, where a second desk was added so they could work together.

If Ross was a wonderful father, he was an even more beloved grandfather. He was calm, patient, and present — never overbearing, always engaged. He read to his grandchildren, played games with them, and made them feel deeply seen and safe. He was especially famous among his grandchildren for playing “horsey,” never once refusing a ride — no matter the size of the rider. He never said no to playing with them — no matter the game or the moment. They ran to him first. He was, without question, their favorite person. He also enjoyed playing chess with his grandchildren, another quiet way he spent time with them.

Ross adored his grandchildren, each of whom had their own special memories with him. They loved when Grandpa played the “monsters game,” chasing the kids around the yard pretending to be a monster, and when he would scoop them out of the bathtub, wrap them tightly in a towel, and toss them giggling onto the bed.

Ross loved Nebraska sports, especially Cornhusker football. He and Dorothy shared many hobbies over the years, including bowling in a couples league and competitive skeet shooting. They traveled extensively for skeet competitions, including multiple trips to the World Skeet Championships in Texas. Ross also loved to travel — with his children when they were young, with Dorothy, with his siblings, and later on family vacations with his grandchildren. Ross enjoyed many kinds of music, especially classic rock. He also had wide-ranging interests, including stamp and coin collecting, science fiction, history, and politics.

Later in life, Ross grew especially fond of the Jersey Shore, where he spent long summer weeks with his daughter and grandchildren. In the summer of 2024, he lived there for an extended time, caring for his grandchildren while Dorothy remained in Omaha to care for her own mother. At the beach, Ross developed an affinity for Murphy’s brownies, and while the house may not have been well stocked with food that summer, it was always well stocked with Murphy’s brownies — and that, to Ross, seemed perfectly sufficient.

Ross maintained friendships throughout his life, often as part of couples friendships shared with Dorothy. One particularly meaningful relationship was with his college roommate and lifelong friend, Tom Burton. Tom’s frequent visits during Ross’s final year meant a great deal to him and to the entire family.

The past year was especially difficult, and Dorothy steadfastly remained by his side, caring for him and loving him fiercely — sometimes in a way that was unmistakably, and endearingly, hers. His family is grateful they were able to spend Christmas and his final birthday together and to say goodbye.

Ross is survived by his wife, Dorothy Johnson; his daughter, Sara Johnson, and her partner, Matt Westbrook; his son, Philip Johnson, and daughter-in-law, Angie Johnson; his grandchildren, Graham, Harper, Jacob, Emily, Olivia, and Nora; his siblings, Janice Greenwood (the late Jerry Greenwood), Marlene Hoffman (Denny), the late Judy Hammermeister, Gerald Johnson (Joyce), and Virginia Kearns; his mother-in-law, Norma Dietrich; and many extended family members and dear friends. The family is deeply grateful to all who visited, called, wrote, and showed up during his illness.

The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and compassionate staff at Nebraska Cancer Specialists and Echo Hills Assisted Living Center for their exceptional care, kindness, and support.

Ross will be remembered for his intelligence, humility, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his love will endure through the lives he shaped.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Ross by spending time with those you love, whether that means playing a game with a grandchild, sharing a meal with a friend, or giving a loved one a hug.

A visitation will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home on January 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A memorial service will follow, starting at 11:00 am.

Ross Johnson's final resting place will be Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska.