Born James Russell Johnson on June 2, 1946, in Mansfield, Ohio, he was one of three children of the late Robert Chester and Christine (Erhart) Johnson. He lived most of his life in the Mansfield and Lexington areas and graduated from Lexington High School. Jim graduated from North Central Technical College with an Associate Degree in Engineering. He worked at Copperweld in Shelby for over 30 years, retiring in 2009.
Jim had a love of cars from the time he was young and always had “cool” cars—emphasis on the “cool” part—taking great pride in them. He enjoyed attending live music events, especially at Goodale Park in Columbus along with his brother. He was a collector of many things. He had coin and matchbook collections along with an extensive collection of clocks, owning hundreds which he enjoyed collecting, fixing, and displaying and made many “clock friends” along the way. Jim was known by many for his amazing whistling skills and was complimented by others often. He enjoyed nature, was active at Gorman Nature Center, was a member of the Mohican Native Plant Society, and enjoyed birdwatching and bat tracking.
After retirement, he became quite adept at shag dancing. He became interested in learning more about American history. While living in North Carolina, Brother Jim Johnson, SVC, became a member of the Sons of the Union Veterans, Major Thomas H. Ruger Camp #1.
Being a grandfather was his greatest joy, and he loved sharing many beach vacations in North Carolina with family. He felt very blessed to spend the past three years living close to them after moving back home, creating precious memories that will never be forgotten. Playing cards, especially Euchre with his family, was a favorite pastime and he enjoyed many special moments with his grandchildren during the card games.
Jim is survived by two children, Christine A. Johnson Teter (Paul Teter), and James Matthew Johnson (Branden Locke Johnson); three grandchildren, Jacob M. Teter, Melia C. Teter, and Benjamin P. Teter; mother of his children, Caroline McGuire Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, James Andrew Johnson; a sister, Joan Wyllie; and a brother, W. Robert Johnson.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 pm at Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. A celebration of Jim’s life will be begin at 3:00 pm with friends and family welcome to share memories.
The family requests no flowers be sent but donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
