James M Johnson

1944 ~ 2023 79 Years Old

James M. Johnson, 79, of Norwich, CT, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday,March 15, 2023 at L+M Hospital. Jim is predeceased by his mother and father Marguerite Distad and Milward Johnson.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Josephine Johnson of Norwich, his son Ronald Johnson and daughter in law Margaret Johnson of Canterbury, his son Paul Johnson of Norwich, his daughter Karen Johnson of Preston, his grandchildren Brittany Johnson of Norwich, Cody Johnson of Montville, Trevor Johnson of Plainfield, Brianna Johnson of Griswold, his step-grandchildren Lauren and Stephanie Napier of Colchester, Kyle and Konnor Gleason of Lisbon, his nine great grandchildren, extended family members Nancy Johnson of Norwich, Wendy Johnson of Griswold, Karol Gleason of Lisbon, Thomas Winton of Preston, lifelong friends Skip, Gina (deceased), Richard, Jimmy, Gerald and Skipper Ellis, Larry, Mary and Colleen Bogardus.

Jim served in the United States Navy and retired as a Senior Chief Storekeeper (SKCS) after serving between 1964 and 1984. After retiring from the Navy, Jim worked locally at Electric Boat in Groton and Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket.

Jim enjoyed fishing and hunting. He often traveled to upstate New York to spend time with his two sons and lifetime friends Larry Bogardus, Skip and Jimmy Ellis, at a hunting camp that became known as the “Connecticut Connection”, where his favorite camping memories included telling stories of his life’s experiences, adventures and the camaraderie between friends. Jim loved his family and enjoyed many Sunday dinners, working on cars with his sons and grandsons. He and his loyal dog JAVA were always there to give his grandchildren a ride to school whenever they missed the bus. He will be deeply missed and he will remain in our hearts forever.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held Thursday March 23, 2023 11:00 a.m. at the Church and Allen Funeral Home 136 Sachem Street Norwich. After the service there will be a further celebration of Jim’s life at the Jewett City VFW Post 10004, located at 263 Taylor Hill Road in Jewett City.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local charity, “A Reason to Ride”, benefitting Connecticut veterans in need at https://areasontoride.org/ and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation benefitting our nation’s heroes at https://t2t.org/donate/.

Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.