James Edward Johnson

Lt. Col. (Ret.) James (Jim) Johnson passed away peacefully on November 1, 2021; he was 78 years old. Jim is survived by his three children, Elizabeth Johnson (Mary Norford), Sean Johnson, Melissa Jones (Ben Jones); his former wife of 32 years and friend, Cheryl Johnson; three grandchildren, Seth Johnson, Madelyn Jones and Emily Jones; as well as a niece, Jennifer Malmsten, and a nephew, Jason Johnson, both of Michigan. He is preceded in death by his parents, William E. and Mary Ruth Johnson of Slater, MO and his brother, Christopher Johnson of Stokes, NC.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He completed the United States Marine Corps Platoon Leaders Class in 1965 and graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in May 1966. Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and assigned to Basic Class 1-67 at The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, VA. After TBS, Jim deployed to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and served in the Third Marine Division. He returned to Vietnam in 1971 and served as an Advisor to the Vietnamese Marine Corps until 1972. For his service in Vietnam, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for valor and Purple Heart. Jim retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1986.

In 2009, Jim was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Although he defeated this disease, it took away his passion for Physical Training, which had included running and lifting weights. He enjoyed watching his favorite classic movies, Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind and Star Wars. He loved spending time with his grandchildren at the beach and playing in the backyard with them when they were young. Jim loved his dogs, Doc, Sandy, Charlie and Shelby and has joined them once again. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at his favorite watering holes.

A visitation will be held Monday, November 15th from 6 to 8 pm at Mullins and Thompson Funeral Home, 186 Shelton Shop Road in Stafford. A graveside service with Military Honors will take place Tuesday, November 16th at 10:30 am, at Quantico National Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Wounded Warrior Project.