James Johnson

Jim was born in Ontonagon to Donald and Helen Johnson of Greenland on March 28, 1963. He attended Mass City School and graduated from Ontonagon Area High School in 1981.

Jim went on to Ferris State College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1985.

After graduation, Jim moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his brother, Jerry, and sister-in-law, Kelly, resided, and began his 26-year career as a midwest planning manager at North American Van Lines.

In May of 1986, Jim’s best friend (and the love of his life), Susan, moved to Fort Wayne to begin their next chapter together after dating since Susan was 15 and Jim was 17. Jim and Susan were married on May 28, 1988.

Jim always put Susan and his family first. In May 2011, Jim left his career at NAVL to support Susan as she accepted a position in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He later worked at University Moving & Storage until April 2018, retiring at the age of 55.

Jim loved life, and he truly enjoyed every moment of his retirement over the past seven and a half years.

Jim will be remembered most for the way he lived–with humor, joy, and an easygoing spirit that drew people in. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone he met. Friends and family often say Jim was “the calm one”–steady, kind, and always ready with a smile. He balanced that with a playful side, full of quick wit and laughter, and a zest for living life on his own terms. His daughter Brittney inherited his wonderfully dry sense of humor, and the two of them could always be counted on to keep the family laughing with their one-liners and quick wit.

An avid golfer, Jim spent countless happy hours at Bowen Lake, often playing three or four times a week. He especially cherished the rounds he played with his son and close friends. His golf game was never complete without a cigar in hand, a Labatt Blue Light nearby, music playing, and his trademark grin.

Beyond golf, Jim was a loyal fan of University of Michigan football and loved cheering on his team each fall.

More than anything, Jim’s heart belonged to his family. He adored his grandchildren, who lit up his life. Elodie James loved to say, “Grandpa is so fun,” and both Elodie and Margaret Mae were happiest climbing all over him, playing on the couch, or watching sports together. He had a magical way of keeping them entertained for hours, and a gentle love that will live on in their memories.

Jim’s greatest joy was simply being with his wife Susan–whether gathered around a campfire, taking a car ride, watching their favorite shows, or just enjoying quiet moments side by side. After nearly four decades of marriage, they remained true best friends, and Jim never missed a chance to tell Susan he loved her.

Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Susan; their children, Brittney Johnson of Rockford and Sam (Alexa) Johnson of Fort Wayne; their grandchildren, Elodie James Johnson, Margaret Mae Johnson, and Baby Johnson due on Jan. 1, 2026; his mom, Helen Johnson; and siblings. Carol (Roman) Aleknavicius, Diane (Scott) Weisinger, and Jerry (Kelly) Johnson; and his many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Donald Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Shirley Winquist; and brother-in-law, Michael Winquist.

A farewell gathering for Jim will take place on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland at 11 a.m. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Jim’s Life at Parkview Lodge in Toivola. All are welcome to join for food and spirits.

Friends and family can find comfort in knowing that Jim and his dad, Dunco, are reunited, teeing it up together on the greatest course of all.