JAMES A. JOHNSON Major General, US Army (Ret.)
Died on July 20, 2016, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital at age 92. He was a highly decorated officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers, whose numerous awards and decorations also included two Distinguished Service Medals, the Silver Star, two Purple Hearts, the Combat Infantryman''s Badge, and Parachute Badge. He served as the Commanding General of Fort Belvoir and the North Atlantic Division Engineer before retirement in 1980 as the Deputy Chief of Engineers. His parents were Martinus and Sofie Johnson of Stoughton, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of 11 children and is survived by his brother, Martin; his loving wife of 66 years, Kathleen Smith Johnson; his daughter, Pamela J. Meister and husband, Stephen Meister; son, James A. Johnson, Jr. and partner, Frank Spencer; son, Mark T. Johnson and wife, Moyo S. Johnson and son, Stephen V. Johnsen; grandson, Sean Johnson and wife, Kyara; and granddaughters Alissa-Marie, Leina-Mei and Marika-Kei. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. He possessed a keen intelligence and great sense of humor. He loved his family, his Norwegian heritage, the Army, West Point, and Fort Belvoir. A memorial service will be held on August 5 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Belvoir Chapel, followed by a reception at the Officers'' Club.

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Published by The Washington Post from Jul. 31 to Aug. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES JOHNSON

15 Entries

Henry Duvall

October 4, 2016

Kay and I offer our sincere condolences to Kay and her family in the passing of General Johnson. He was a mentor to me early in my career with the 39th Engineering Battalion, 937th Engineer Group at Ft. Campbell, KY in 1963. Because of his leadership and example, I continued to extend my USA career in the USAR for 28 years, retiring in 1992. Kay and I were fortunate enough to visit General Johnson and Kay at their home in Fairfax, VA. I made a point to call him annually on Veteran's Day and was planning to call him in November until I recently learned of his passing away in the October issue of the MOAA magazine. Our prayers are with Kay and her family.
Henry P. Duvall, Colonel, US Army Engineers, (Retired)

Hank Hatch

August 4, 2016

Dear Kay, our sincerest condolences to you and the entire family. He was a great leader and mentor of my generation of Engineer officers. We appreciated his guiding us with a smile and sensitive sense of humor.

Liz Casey- Heiston

August 2, 2016

Gen. Johnson and Mrs. Johnson have been very soecial friends to my father and mother, Col. and Mrs John Casey. I know they cane into our lives when I was just a young baby and one of six kids. Our families grew up together and I remember many meals and good times. My fondest memory was the priveledge to work for Jim and my Dad at Kuljian Corp. the summer before college. In a memorable discussion at the office one day, Gen. Johnson encouraged me to go into sales when I graduated college. I did and am so thankful for his guidamce and to all the support, friendship and laughter he, Kay and family gave to our entire family through the years. Many wonderful years!

August 1, 2016

Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. May God's goodness comfort you during this time of sorrow 2Corithians1:3,4.

July 31, 2016

He was absolutely the best story teller! My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your family, Kay.
Much love,
Pat Harre (Leesburg, VA)

Your two friends from C'ville

Vickie & Stew Godwin

July 31, 2016

Kay you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs and love

Jill Singleton

July 29, 2016

Uncle Jim was a great and honorable man, as much loved as admired. He spread energy and humor and excitement wherever he went -- a gift to all! He will always be remembered and cherished. I am so very grateful to have been his niece. Love to you, Aunt Kay, and Johnson Cousins.

Ricky Abram

July 28, 2016

Sorry for your family's loss but the Bible tells us there will be a time in the near future that we will see our loved ones once again I say the 25th chapter verse 8 he will swallow up there forever and The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears more faces the reproach of his people he will take away from all the Earth for the over himself has spoken it

Peter Cooper

July 26, 2016

Remembering Uncle Jimmy with much love and admiration. He will be so missed. Our deepest condolences to Aunt Kay and the family.
Karen and Peter Cooper

Kathy/Dennis Paton

July 25, 2016

To many this man was General Johnson to me he was uncle Jimmy or uncle Immy (said in a Norske accent). I will always remember the great stories you told me about you and your big brother my dad when growing up. I will hold you close in my heart always . I miss you so so much. I love you , your niece Kathy (Johnson ) Paton. Uncle Jimmy you were such a character . I loved listening to you during your visits . Love, your nephew-in-law Dennis

Pat Muckle

July 25, 2016

And as good a military man as Jim was , he was just as good an uncle and family member. If there were medals for that, he and Kay would be covered. God speed , Uncle Jimmy! Pat and Bob Muckle

Mark Berge

July 25, 2016

Much love to the Johnsons. Uncle Jimmy was a great one!

July 25, 2016

As good a military man as Jim was, he was an even better family member. If they gave medals for that, he and Kay would be covered with them. God speed, Uncle Jim. Pat and Bob Muckle, Boulder, Colorado

July 24, 2016

MG Johnson was one of our stalwart West Point Class of 1947 classmates as the above obituary attests.His service to the Nation was truly outstanding..Jim will long be remembered for his accomplishments and his great wit, amiability,story-telling, consideration, and most importantly, his friendship.
John W. Lauterbach
President, USMA Class of 1947

Ralph Locurcio, PE

July 22, 2016

Gen Johnson was an outstanding role model and mentor. I worked for him when he was commander of Ft. Belvoir. His determined mission focus and good humor were the hallmarks of his leadership style. He was a magnet who always had the best solution to every problem while building his team and fostering lasting relationships... He was GREAT!!!

BG(r) Ralph V. Locurcio, PE

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