James L. Johnson Sr.

In his 84 years of life, James was a son, brother, husband, father, father-in law, grandfather, uncle, Air Force Veteran, Postal worker, avid golfer and RV’r.

James was born in West Ely, Missouri on May 13, 1936 to Arvil and Ruby Johnson. The middle child of 12 siblings (Stanley Eugene, Ida Elizabeth, Ester Faye, Harold Lea, William Ellis, Walter Edmond, Anna Fern, Jackie Leonard, Joe Francis, Dwayne Lee, Roger Don, and Robert Wayne).

In 1954, at the age of 18, he joined the US Air Force where he served for over 25 years and received many awards and ribbons including:

Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, NCO Academy Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, (Five oak leaf clusters, / National Defense Service Medal/ Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars).

He traveled the world during his time in the Air Force including Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, Korea, Japan, Guam and the Philippines. It was in the Philippines that James met the love of his life Elizabeth at the USO club. He loved to tell the story of that time and if he hadn’t stayed for one more San Miguel he might have missed his chance to meet her.

James and Betty were stationed in many places in the US and abroad. During this time, they welcomed their five children into their family, (Mario Abejero (Rene Marquez), Betty Marie (Richard Flores), James Leroy JR (Michelle Knight), Phillip Otto, Belma (Amy Coldiron). They settled in La Vista, Nebraska after retirement and then later James worked for the US Post Office for 18 years before he retired.

James enjoyed playing golf, bowling, fishing and camping in their RV and spending time with family. He always went to the Johnson Family Reunion every year to spend time with his siblings and relations. James was an outstanding mechanic and could fix just about anything. He loved country music, his favorite singer was Johnny Cash, and watching Westerns especially those with John Wayne.

James loved his role as a family man most of all and left behind a legacy of love and unconditional acceptance to his children. He had a great sense of humor and loved teaching his grandkids new things.

Grandchildren

1. Anthony James Flores

2. Joshua Michael Furler

3. Stevan Ray Flores

4. Chase Adrian Flores

5. Elvia Elizabeth Flores

6. Sean Zachary Abejero

7. Shana Lana Abejero

8. Jeremy Logan Johnson

9. Jordan Scott Johnson

10. Bethany Morgan Johnson

11. Richard Gabriel Flores

12. Cody James Johnson

13. Lucas Tyler Johnson

14. Mackenzie Navall Johnson -Geer

15. Xavier Christian Johnson

Great-Grandchildren

1. Ryan Xavier Flores

2. Zachery Michael Furler

3. Dylan Logan Flores

4. Baylee Ann Furler

5. Jakoby Darrell Flores

6. Gideon Ray Flores

7. Layla Danielle Flores

8. Sophia Elizabeth Flores

9. Olivia Krys Flores

10. Thomas James Berlin

11. Timothy Jaden Berlin

12. Jerritt Luca Johnson

13. Raiden Thane Johnson

He will be missed by all who knew him and remembered for his booming voice, stories of his experiences and his love for his wife and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests if you’re able: Please send donations or volunteer time to volunteer.va.gov