James "Jim" Harold Johnson

James Harold Johnson, 78 passed away peacefully February 25, 2023. He was born June 11,1944, in Beech Grove, Indiana to Robert and Hazel Johnson. Jim graduated from Beech Grove High School in 1962. He worked as a radio announcer in the 1960’s and 70’s at several stations including WORX in Madison, IN, WGEE in Indianapolis, and WSMJ in Greenfield. He was a Sergeant in the United States Army serving from 1965 to 1967 as an E-5 Personnel Specialist. He earned his BA in 1972 and an MS in 1976 from Butler University majoring in English and Secondary Education. He had a life-long interest in schools and the art of teaching. He taught at Franklin Central High School for 32 years, 12 as the head of the English department. He helped inaugurate WRFT in 1978, a student-operated FM radio station where he served as faculty advisor until 1992. Jim returned to the classroom full-time until he retired in 2003. For over 20 years he was a regular columnist for the Johnson County Daily Journal. During retirement, he continued with his love of teaching by supervising student teachers for Franklin College, volunteering at The Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, and working 11 years as a tour guide at the Indiana Statehouse. He especially loved teaching 4th graders about the history of Indiana. He was the author of “Hoosier History Highlights,” which was sent to subscribers across the state every Friday. He married the love of his life Nancy Stone on April 5, 1975. He is survived by his wife Nancy, brothers; Bob (Carolyn) Johnson, Mike (Vicki) Johnson, Dave (Mame) Johnson, Russ (Karen) Johnson, and Jeff Johnson, brother-in-law; Don Armes, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters; Pat Armes and Jeanine Johnson, and nephews Doug and Randy Johnson. A funeral service will take place at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Crown Hill Funeral Home, with visitation from 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community Health Network Foundation (specify Cancer Center South), 7330 Shadeland Station, Suite 150, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46256, or the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 1230 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crownhill.org for the Johnson family.