James Johnson, 81, of Loogootee, passed away 12:55 a.m. Friday, March 29, 2019 at his home surrounded in love by his family.
He was born August 12, 1937 in Bloomington, Indiana to the late Leo and Gwendolyn (McConnell) Johnson.
Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Loogootee American Legion and the Loogootee VFW.
He was a United States Navy veteran and served overseas during the Vietnam War and the Korean Conflict. While in the Navy he was a Senior Chief Petty Officer Seabee and worked on the first nuclear power plant in Antarctica. He also was part of the Disaster Recovery for Hurricane Camille. After his military career he helped construct two hospitals, one in Saudi Arabia and the other in Yemen. He owned and operated J&J Enterprise HVAC for nearly 20 years. Jim’s favorite thing may have been working, but he also enjoyed reading the newspaper, gardening and visiting with his grandchildren.
Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Lea Ann McGuire; parents, Leo and Gwendolyn (McConnell) Johnson; siblings, Martha and Leo “Buddy”.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary (Dillon) Johnson of Loogootee; sons, Chris Johnson of Loogootee, Mike (Todd) Johnson of Phoenix, Arizona and Steve (Kerrie) of Redkey, Indiana; grandchildren, Jeremiah Johnson, Jasmine McGuire, Errol (Jessica) McGuire, Allie McGuire; great-grandchildren, Mya, David and Yvonnie; brother, Robert (Patty) Johnson; son-in-law, Jerry McGuire; good friend, Jesse Martinez.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loogootee where he and Mary were married 60 years ago. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 1st, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kindred Hospice.
Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.