James Henry Johnson

Jim was born 4/24/1945 in Wichita, Kansas. Went to Wyandotte High School and graduated May 24, 1963. He played football and did track and field. He broke State record for throwing the Javelin 213.8 feet in 1963. He was so athletic he played any sport that was going on.

June 6th, 1967 he signed a contract with the Canadian Football League, then got the call from Uncle Sam being drafted into the US Army. He came back to the United States to do his duty for our country. He served from August 4, 1967 to August 1, 1969, during his time in the Army he was asked to play for the US Army football team and was so happy to say yes. After he got out of the Army he worked at various jobs. He was a cop for KCK police department and Grain Elevator where he met my brother David Miller and he introduced him to my sister Shirley Miller. They married February 13, 1977.

They moved to Blairstown, Missouri where Jim and Shirley raised hogs and raised pet raccoons Jim became a lumber jack. Cut wood in AM and hauled to Kansas City in the evening. Later years moved to Harrisonville, Missouri and they both worked at Family Center. My parents were up in age and needed assistance so they moved to Chilhowee, Missouri. Shirley got Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and passed away October 3, 2022. Jim’s health failed fast. He had to move in with his sister-in-law his doctor said he was a danger living by himself. Jim had to go to WMMC hospital on 3/5/2024 he couldn’t walk. He wasn’t able to return back home. Spent time between nursing homes and hospital suffered very much. The good Lord took him home November 4, 2024 to be with his wife that he loved dearly.

Jim was a very king man and the nursing home residence and staff was with him till the last minute.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Chapel Hill - Butler Funeral Home, 701 North 94th Street, Kansas City, Kansas 66112. A funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens following the service.