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James Johnson Obituary
Rochester: James H. Johnson, Architect, passed away February 2, 2016, at the age of 83. Jim, as he was known, was well recognized for his unique architectural designs and innovative structures, including the Liberty Pole, Temple Sinai, the Mushroom House, Church of St.John the Evangelist, St. Januarius Church in Naples, NY, the Phyllis Wheatley Library and many custom homes. Jim graduated from the School of Architecture, Oklahoma State University. He moved to Rochester in 1957 and received his architectural license in 1959. He established his own practice in 1960, at the age of 27, with the commission to design Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center. Jim combined architectural design inspiration with engineering ingenuity in his passion to fulfill his clients' dream visions and make them a reality. From the drafting board to the finished project, Jim had a hands-on approach and brought considerable knowledge to each phase of the construction process. His love of nature inspired many of the organic forms his designs represented. He received awards for his pioneering contributions, including the Liberty Pole Design Competition, the Lillian Fairchild Award from the University of Rochester, and the Landmark Society's Lifetime Achievement Award. Many of his significant works are being archived at the Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester. In addition to his work, he enjoyed spending time with his family sharing his interests in the arts, sports, fishing, skiing, hiking, and boating. He combined his love of travel with his passion for studying the built world around him.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sarah; daughters, Amy (Fred) Schwendler of Akron, OH, Sarah E. (Bruce Johnson) Johnson, Julie B. (Robert Yockel) Johnson, Jennifer (Sothara Chin) Johnson of Washington, DC; grandchildren, Fritz and Henry Schwendler, Madeline Johnson, Genevieve, Stefan and Juliana Chin.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00pm, at Temple Sinai, 363 Penfield Rd, Rochester, 14625, on February 11, 2016. A Celebration of Life will follow the service. Friends are invited to bring a written memory or photo for the family's Memory Book.
Contributions may be made to Landmark Society,133 South Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14608 or Geva Theatre Center, 75 Woodbury Blvd, Rochester, NY 14607. To share a memory of Jim or send condolences to the family, visit www.anthonychapels.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson
Judy Bovet-Egnor
February 15, 2016
Dear Sarah and Family,
Our family is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our parents dearest friends, your kind and loving husband Bo. The memorial service was such a tribute to him, and my brother and I were touched by all the family who took part -- it was helpful to hear you all and see you all. We know that you will be comforted by the love you give to each other and from all your many, many friends.
It had been many years since my first steps inside Temple Sinai. Bo's imagination transformed this space into a spiritual place were peace, thoughts, remembrance, prayer, and hopes collided with the natural world. It was fantastic to see.
We offer our heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy. Love, Judy (Bovet) and Keith (Egnor) and Maggie
Dave and Peggy Soule
February 12, 2016
Our deepest sympathy to Sarah and the Johnson family. We remember Jim every day as we live in a beautiful home he designed on Keuka Lake. He spent hours listening to us and surveying the site to give us a very livable home which accommodates our children and grandchildren as they play at the lake. As we look at the lake from every room in our home we will always be thankful to Jim for his vision. It has been our privilege to know Jim and Sarah and their family.
St. John's Church being built in background slide
February 9, 2016
Curt Smock, Architect
February 8, 2016
Sarah and Girls -
I am deeply saddened by the news of Jim's passing. As you know I worked for Jim as an intern during 1978-79 off and on. I came back and visited Jim to see his current works during the late 80's also and renewed friendships. He was always one of the most down to earth, friendly and design conscious people that I have ever met. His works are a living testimony to his skill and willingness to work with many different types of clientele. He will be sorely missed as an Icon to good design in upstate New York!
Temple Sinai
Robert Conway
February 8, 2016
Temple Sinai
Robert Conway
February 8, 2016
Ark at Temple Sinai
Robert Conway
February 8, 2016
Our Larger Community. Sanctuary of Temple Sinai
Robert Conway
February 8, 2016
I never met Jim, but was inspired by his architecture. It was not until I toured his home that I realized that my 3 all time favorite structures in Rochester, i.e, Temple Sinai, The Liberty Pole and the Mushroom House were all his work. I am including some images of Temple Sinai that I took for the the 50th anniversary of Temple Sinai. The beauty that he created will live on for generations. Shalom, Peace.
Robert Conway, Optometrist, Rochester, NY
A round & round we go. I would tease him. Can you draw a straight line
De Freze J.D.
February 8, 2016
What a great man & family. We worked together on many, many projects through the years. All ways filled with laughs & smiles. We worked hard for & with him. But, it all ways was fun. You might scratch head once in a while at some of his ideals. It all ways work out. Jim would smile, chuckle, and start off with a story. " you know. one time I " You would feel like a little kid again at story time in school. It is my pleasure, honor to have worked along side of, and call him friend. Sarah - Betsy, you know I respected & loved him. Your family was so nice to us all. Thank you all for the great memories
Paula Smith
February 7, 2016
Dear Amy and family,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family during this time.
Paula E. Smith
February 7, 2016
Dear Sarah and family,
I was very sorry to hear today about Jim's death this past week. My family and I have so many special memories of Jim during our years spent as neighbors on Mountain Road. I particularly remember our bridge games and other times spent as families together. I'm so glad that I was able to visit with Sarah and Jim in recent years. My thoughts are with you all during this sorrowfilled time.
Love, Judy Cole and family
Mr. & Mrs. Johnson at St. John;s banquet
Gene Preston
February 7, 2016
Historical Society presentation
Gene Preston
February 7, 2016
Mr. Johnson at St. John's Church
Gene Preston
February 7, 2016
Gene Preston, lifelong member
February 7, 2016
Dear Sarah and family,
The passing of Mr. Johnson saddens our entire congregation at St, John the Evangelist Church, Greece, NY. At Mass this morning Father Peter Enyan-Boadu shared the news with all.
We first met this wonderful individual in 1964 when we agreed to have him design our new church, opened in 1965.
In May of 2012 we were blessed to have Mr. Johnson return to the church and make a presentation to our members and the Greece Historical Society. It was a delightful evening and we are so happy that we captured the event in photos. During the Q&A session that followed I recall asking him about the unique design of the huge center portion of our beautiful church. With much pride he explained the role of the "silo" as he called it in the overall building features, saying it turned out just as he wanted. Last year we celebrated our 150th Anniversary and 50th Anniversary of the award-winning church. At that time we were pleased that he was able to attend our parish banquet and relive the joy of it all.
I'm pleased to conclude by saying I have prepared a tribute to him in our 150th Anniversary book soon to be completed. Photos of him joyfully speaking to us will be included. For 50-years we at St. John's have felt honored to have our church among the many famous structures he designed over the years.
Rest easy dear friend.
Karen Woodworth
February 7, 2016
Dear Sarah and Family,
Our family sends our deepest sympathy to you all on Jim's passing. We have many fond memories of Jim on Mountain Road. He was a fine man with many talents and a wonderful family man.
It was good to see you all recently even under the circumstances. We hope that you will be comforted at this time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
Karen Woodworth and family
February 7, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sarah, and the girls! We have many fond memories of teaching, bridge playing, and 'cello lessons with Craig! With love, Jay & Elaine Thompson
Joel & Jane Goldman
February 7, 2016
Sarah and Girls: We are so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. May the wonderful memories of happier times on Mountain Road sustain you during this difficult period and into the future.
February 6, 2016
Dear Sarah,
Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your daughters. We have such fond memories of you and Jim at Interlochen and in Rochester. May memories of happier days and the nearness of family and friends help ease your grief. With condolences and all good wishes, Dick and Ellen Caplan
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