James Garfield "Jim" Johnson, 85, passed on to be with his Lord on September 3, 2013 at Providence Hospital, Anchorage, Alaska, from complications of diabetes and heart disease. Jim was born to James and Mae Johnson in Long Beach, Long Island, NY on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1928. He grew up in Oceanside, beginning work at 14 as a truck driver. In 1946, he joined the United States Army Air Corp and was stationed at Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, FL, serving as a navigator in World War II PBY and B29 airplanes. He married Viola "Vi" Walbroehl, in 1950, and they moved back to West Palm Beach, FL. Jim went to Carpenter Apprenticeship, worked construction and also did long-distance trucking. In October 1959, he and Vi answered God's call to come to Glennallen, AK, to work with Central Alaskan Mission as a carpenter. Many of the buildings on the mission (now SEND North) and Alaska Bible College campus, as well as churches in Mendeltna, Copper Center, Gulkana, and Chistochina have Jim's stamp upon them:he learned how to build Alaskan-style very quickly. Later he became the primary driver of the Mission's Ford Louisville 800. After serving 38 years with SEND-Alaska, Jim and Vi retired to Mendeltna, AK.
Jim had a deep love for the people of the Copper River Valley and spent much time in service and prayer with them. In 1995, he was honored to be adopted by Nick Lincoln into the Ahtna, Nelchina Clan. Jim and Vi moved into Anchorage in 2009. Jim's favorite thing was to hunt from "Johnson Knoll" on the Chistochina Trail with his TrackMaster. Many friends and family joined him in these adventures. Telling stories of his hunting and trucking exploits and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought great joy in Jim's life.
Jim was preceded in death by his father when he was eight, his mother, his older sisters, Antoinette and Mary, and younger sister, Constance. He leaves behind many loving family members: his wife, Vi Johnson; sister, Vera Penz (Dave); brother-in-law, Robert Verity; sons, Jay Johnson (Laurie) and David Johnson (De); daughters, Merrie Johnson and Josie Thayer (Curtis); grandchildren, Vincent Johnson (Kristin); Vanessa Duley (Andrew); Colten, Clinton, Laurel, Davida, and Carlie Johnson, and Matthew Thayer; great grandchildren, Ryder Christensen, Cash Johnson, and Nathan Duley.
A visitation will be held 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday, September 5, at Witzleben Legacy Funeral Home, 1707 S Bragaw St. in Anchorage, AK, for family friends in the Anchorage area. A visitation will also be held 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Friday, September 6, at Glennallen Community Chapel in Glennallen, AK. The funeral service will be 1 p.m., Saturday, September 7, at Glennallen High School, in Glennallen, AK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Kako Retreat Center (PO Box 29 Russian Mission, AK 99657) or SEND North (4227 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517).
Arrangements were entrusted to Witzleben Legacy Funeral Home, Anchorage, AK. Burial will be at Glennallen Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thank you to all for your loving support and prayers during our time of loss. He is with his Lord and Savior and we are blessed to have had such a wonderful husband, Dad and PopPop. Thank you, God for these blessings! From the Jim Johnson family.
Josie Thayer
October 4, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
September 11, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
September 7, 2013
Dear Vi and family,
I remember watching Jim work on the houses in "upper mission village". So many fond memories in Glennallen, as neighbors. May God comfort you all!
Judy (Schneider) Arvidson
September 5, 2013
Josie and Merrie. We just heard about your Father and wanted to extend our sympathy to you and your family. We know you will miss him very much and will hold wonderful memories in your heart.
Doug and Carol Mutter
September 5, 2013
Dear Vi - Beth and I extend our love and sympathy to you. You and Jim were a special couple.
I have many fond memories of times of fellowship with Jim. Moose hunting with him and Merritt was a special event and privilege in my life.
Jim is receiving a special reward for all he did for Christ's kingdom. That is a promise from Revelation 22:12.
God bless you and give you special peace during this time of grief.
By his grace -
Don and Beth Campbell
September 5, 2013
Dear Vi and Family,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I have so many fond memories of your family and remember how he was such a man of God and an example to all of us as we were growing up. Thots and prayers are with your family during this time.
Colette Richcreek Dowhen
September 5, 2013
Dear Vi and Family,
We remember Jim with appreciation and affection. It was a privilege to work together with you both in service for Christ. We are praying for you.
Dick and Esther Camp
Dick and Esther Camp
September 5, 2013
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