James Howard Johnson

James Howard Johnson was born to poor but hard-working parents on January 29, 1931. Clever thinking, hard work, and thrifty living were the calling cards of this very good man. He passed on December 29, 2022, reuniting him with his soul mate, Ruth Johnson on the day of what would have been their 69th wedding anniversary. Ruth preceded him last year. James died as he lived: quietly, unassumingly, with no extra fuss, a smile on his face, and surrounded and loved by his family and friends. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Victor and Andrea Johnson, Zana and Mike Cook, Zeta Powell, and daughter-in-law Debra Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, son Vance Johnson, and son-in-law Paul Powell, his brother Rufus Johnson, and sisters Ollie Mae Good and Martha Lucile Hendershot. He is also survived by his brothers Donald Ray Johnson, Joe Arkey Johnson, and Russell Earl Johnson, and sisters Elsie Merle Burge and Stella Fay Little.

As a depression-era baby, James was raised to be frugal and to save anything that might be useful for something. Despite his fiscally conservative streak, James was generous to those in need both with his money and time.

James’ marriage to Ruth Belcher, on January 29, 1953, was a match made in heaven, as his calm and steady was the perfect counter to Ruth’s fiery approach to life. Together, they raised a family and built their dream farm just outside Shawnee, Oklahoma.

James proudly served 20 years in the United States Air Force. He began his career as a mechanic on B-26 Bombers and finished as a Master Sergeant in charge of repair parts logistics for the giant C-5 cargo plane. His clever approach to solving problems twice netted him recognition for inventing handling devices for bulky, C-5 and C-141 aircraft parts.

James was a superb father. He always challenged his children to do the best they were capable of and to chase their own dreams in life. The most feared words he spoke to his kids was a quiet, “Did you do your best?” His favorite mantra was, “Improve yourself or your property every day.” James loved to play with and support his 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He smiled from ear to ear when surrounded by noisy, happy, and playful kids.

James could fix almost anything that was broken. He was always most at home modifying or fixing machinery on the farm, from small sprayers to D5 Caterpillars. He could turn broken down and worn-out equipment into functioning tools.

James preached the need to learn through “paying attention” in school and daily life and reading whatever you could get your hands on. He was permanently a few credits short of a bachelor’s degree and never could whittle his reading pile down because he added new books and magazines faster than he could read them.

Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s disease took James from us little by little over the last 12 years, but even to the end, he still remembered his family and much to Ruth’s chagrin, could be counted on to show his impish smile, and to pull a harmless prank.

James Howard Johnson was a very good man. Like many people of his generation, he expected no special treatment and was happy to be able to live his life and pursue his dreams. He wished the same for everyone.

A Viewing will be held Wednesday, January 4th, 2023 at Resthaven Funeral Home from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. A Service will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home’s Chapel on Thursday January 5th, 2023 at 10:30 with burial to follow at Johnson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Promedica Foundation, Johnson Cemetery Fund or Mars Hill Cemetery Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resthavenfh.com for the Johnson family.