James Russell Johns

DRESDEN - James Russell Johns, 82 of North Fort Myers, FL, formally Dresden, N.Y., passed away on February 20, 2026. Jim was born December 2, 1943 in Philadelphia, PA to Samuel and Edith "Sis" Johns. Jim was known for his extensive volunteerism, his craftsmanship, and his devotion to family, friends, and community as well as being a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan.

Jim graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1962. He worked at Sylvania and then began his career with NYSEG/AES Greenidge in 1970 as a machinist where he worked for 43 years. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Loujane (Herbert) Johns; son Jamie (Lori) Johns; daughter Joanne (Michael) Emerson; granddaughters Jordanne (Brandon) Hillman, Jessica Johns, Jennifer Wilson; and grandsons Grant (Emily) Emerson, Noah Emerson, and Reid Emerson; as well as several great grandchildren and extended family and loving friends.

Jim was an avid sportsman spending his lifetime hunting and fishing throughout the Finger Lakes, Canada, and Florida. Jim is remembered for his service to others, his selflessness, and his self taught handyman skills. During his time working with wood, building almost everything, he became an expert craftsman. Jim was known to always have a kind word and was willing to lend a helping hand.

Jim was a lifetime member of Seneca Lake Lodge #308 Free and Accepted Masons, Seneca Lake #321 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Dresden Fire Department. Jim served as Chief of the Fire Department for several terms and was named Fireman of the Year multiple times. Jim was elected as Master of Masons at Seneca Lake Lodge as well as District Grand Sword Bearer of the New York State Masons Grand Lodge. Jim served the Order of Eastern Stars as Patron multiple times and was elected as District Grand Lecturer. Jim was a founding member of the Dresden First Responders serving as an EMT. He applied those skills while volunteering with his wife Loujane with the Penn Yan Ambulance Corps. Jim also served his community as a Yates County Legislator. Jim utilized his skills as a machinist and welder volunteering at the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum, helping to restore a WWII war plane. Jim was a devoted member of the Dresden United Methodist Church.

His devotion to service continued in Florida where he became a member of Elks Lodge #2606 and #2742. He also volunteered for Wake Up America for many years while residing in Florida. He was very proud of his family and relished sharing stories of their life and their accomplishments.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer at the Dresden United Methodist Church in Dresden, N.Y. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dresden Fire Department or to an organization of your choice to honor Jim's devotion to volunteerism.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, Penn Yan, N.Y. To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit www.townsendwoodzinger.com