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James Johannson
Colorado Springs, CO - James Johannson, 53, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of January 21, 2018, at his home in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Johannson had an unparalleled love for his family, hockey (and golf), and an endless zest for life. Johannson, a two-time Olympian, was an accomplished hockey player and executive whose impact reached across the globe. Born on March 10, 1964 in Rochester, Minnesota, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1982-86, and alongside his brother John, helped the Badgers win an NCAA Championship during his freshman season. He was selected in the 7th round of the NHL draft in 1982 by the Hartford Whalers and went on to play several seasons in the International Hockey League. Johannson also spent two years playing in the Bavarian region in Germany - which he frequently referenced as amongst his most cherished experiences. He was extremely honored to represent his country in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Winter Games. Following his playing career, Johannson spent five years as the General Manager of the Twin Cities Vulcans, and captured the USA Junior A Championship in the 2000 season. He joined USA Hockey later that year, and his 18-year tenure is marked by unprecedented success for American teams in international competition. He served as a team executive and/or general manager for nearly every Men's USA Hockey team since 2000. Under Johannson's watch, U.S. teams won 64 medals in major international competition, including 34 gold, 19 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Notably, in the 2016-17 season, U.S. teams captured five gold medals in international play, a feat no other country in the world has ever accomplished. He was instrumental in the development of the National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Michigan (originally located in Ann Arbor), as well as the acquisition of their base facility - the USA Hockey Arena - which now serves as the home arena for varied USA Hockey activities. His passion reached to all levels of hockey - including the launching of much acclaimed programs to benefit young players, coaches, and officials. At the time of his passing, Johannson was preparing to lead Team USA as General Manager of the Men's Ice Hockey team at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Winter Games in South Korea. While recognizing a career of success on the ice, Johannson was innately more accomplished in life. His true championships were earned as a humble, caring, and thoughtful husband, father, friend, and teammate. He was that gracious friend you could always trust, and he never declined a friend, player, or family in need. Johannson was most proud to contribute to the unprecedented success of the American born hockey player over the last two decades - yet regularly attributed any success to others. A sincere and caring soul, he was kind, gentle and generous. Any encounter with Johannson started and ended with discussion about his family. He married Abigail Tompkins on September 10, 2011. They welcomed their daughter, Eleanor Louise, into their world in December 2015. Nothing could ever rival Johannson's love and affection for his wife Abby, and their two-year-old daughter, Ellie. Every discussion was interspersed with a photo or video of Ellie. Every international competition or meeting included Abby and Ellie. Everyone around this sweet gentleman recognized his unfailing love for his wife and daughter. He will be remembered as a patriot, and loving husband, father, and friend. Johannson was preceded in death by his mother, Marietta. He is survived by his wife, Abby and daughter Ellie (Colorado Springs, CO); father Kenneth Johannson (Rochester, MN); Sister Judy Stevenson (Neenah, WI - husband Judd, and children Tyler and Taylor); brother John (Minneapolis, MN - wife Margarita, and children Johnny, Matias, Anna, and Daniela); and countless friends and acquaintances around the world. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to either The USA Hockey Foundation (for the benefit of the "Jim Johannson Legacy Fund"), 1775 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, 80906; or to the Eleanor Johannson 529 Education Fund; c/o Morgan Stanley, 34901 Woodward Avenue; Suite 300; Birmingham, MI 48009. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 24, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 25, at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church, 219 Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, Co, 80903. Reception to follow.
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Jimmy coached our son in the USHL in the 90s.Jimmy helped our son as a player and helped him get his scholarship.Jimmy is remembered as a wonderfully nice man who helped young players. He gave so much to others and to USA Hockey. RIP Jimmy.
Frederic Stephens
February 12, 2018
I am very sorry to learn of the death of mr. Johnson
D Neal
January 28, 2018
Dear Ken and Family,
We are thinking of you and the entire family at the passing of Jimmy. Please know we care deeply and wish we could be there for all of you! Keep those precious memories close to your hearts. Our Sincere Sympathy.
Jim and Gaylene Ryan
January 26, 2018
So shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's death. Many great memories on and off the ice with Jim of playing hockey, baseball, football, riding around Rochester on our bikes, and just hanging out as kids. He was a fantastic hockey player and a tremendous teammate. Jimmy was always so much fun to be around. Very proud of his accomplishments for USA Hockey and even more impressed by the friendly, humble, and caring person he was. I will miss him very much. On behalf of the Williams family, my deepest condolences to Jim's wife and young daughter, as well as to Ken, Judy, John, and their families.
Pete Williams
January 25, 2018
Ken, our deepest sympathies to you and all of your family. Thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Blessings, Dave and Betty Dickerman
Dave and Betty Dickerman
January 24, 2018
Jim and I met when he was a player for the Indianapolis Ice in 1990. He was the ultimate team player and one of the truly good guys on and off the ice. Humble, smart, competitive and always ready with a quick one-liner followed by a short giggle. Hockey lost a great leader and manager; we all lost a great person. Rest in peace, old friend.
Brad Beery
January 24, 2018
Very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. I have fond memories of him as the rink rat he was, zipping around the outdoor rinks of Rochester. My sincerest condolences to the entire Johannson family.
Doug Bartholomew
January 24, 2018
Very saddened by the news of Jim's passing. I have fond recollections of the rink rat that he was....zipping around the outdoor rinks of Rochester as kids. My sincerest condolences to the entire Johannson family.
Doug Bartholomew
January 24, 2018
Ken: I was so sorry to hear about the death of Jim. I only knew him through you, and I know how much you will miss him. He was a remarkable person, I know how devastating a loss like this can be. Please accept my deepest sympathies to you and your family. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know.
Pat and Dana Fogg
Friend
January 23, 2018
John Hack
January 23, 2018
Jimmy the red headed freckle faced kid from Rochester. A giant in the world of ice hockey! Accomplished and humble man. My sympathy to all of the Johannson's. Jimmy, your mum Marietta is there to take you the rest of the way.
Todd Wentworth
January 22, 2018
I am so sorry to learn of Jim's death. Our friendship resulted because of the ties between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada. Jim certainly was extremely kind in welcoming me into the group. We had many enjoyable chats. Our combined dinners were always fun filled evenings..Jim is a tremendous loss to his family, our game, USA Hockey and all of us who knew him. I send my thoughts and prayers.
Joe Drago, Chair of the Board
Hockey Canada
Joe Drago
January 22, 2018
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Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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Swan-Law Funeral Directors501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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