James (Jim) Wilks Johnson, Jr., 88, went home to be with our Lord, on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. He is finally at peace after battling Alzheimer’s Disease for the past 9 years. He died at home surrounded by his wife and three children.
Jim Johnson was born on May 27, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the Navy, serving from 1950 to 1954, as a radioman on submarines in the Korean Conflict. He was always proud of his time in the Navy and enjoyed reunions with fellow submariners throughout his life. When he joined the Navy, he began his lifelong passion for traveling. After the Navy he moved to Freeport, Tx. with his aunt and uncle (S.C. and Ruth Holland) and ended up living next door to Mona Ivy. The two fell in love and married, enjoying almost 63 years of marriage. They moved to Houston, and eventually moved to El Paso in 1961, with their young son, Gary, where Jim attended Texas Western College, (UTEP) majoring in Metallurgical Engineering. They returned to Houston in 1965 where his 40 plus year career as a Metallurgist began. He worked for The Hughes Tool Company, CLECO, WKM/ACF/Joy Industries/Cameron Iron Works and FMC.
His career allowed him to travel the world including trips to the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and South America. His family, wife Mona, children Gary, Rebecca and Jimmy were always his priority, and they enjoyed some of Jim’s travels together.
More than anything, Jim loved spending time with his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He liked to barbeque, to make bread, to spend time in his yard, learning about his family ancestry, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He coached softball and baseball and enjoyed working on cars. He loved dogs (and they loved him). He loved reminiscing about his time in the Navy, and both his and other people’s travels. He and Mona have been devoted members of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for 55 years where he was an active leader, including serving on many committees and, as a deacon.
Jim Johnson is preceded in death by his foster parents, S.C. and Ruth Holland; siblings Irma Mitchell, Joann Wheeler, Wes Albright, Herbert Johnson and Betty Collins. He is survived by his wife, Mona; sons, Gary (Laura) Johnson, Jimmy Johnson; and daughter, Becky (Scott) Fredrickson, and his three grandchildren, Jake, Tucker and Emily Fredrickson. He is also survived by his siblings; J.C. (Lisa) Johnson, Barbara Weaver, Joe (Nancy) Johnson, and numerous relatives and friends across the country.
There will be a Celebration of his Life, at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (5308 Buffalo Speedway, Houston 77005), on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 2p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request any donations be given to Elysian Hospice, The Alzheimer’s Association or St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
