James H. Johnson

James (Jim) H. Johnson passed away peacefully January 19, 2025, with his family by his side.

James was born on December 31, 1932 in East Peoria, Illinois, to Mary Alice and Chester Johnson. He and his brother William (Bud) Johnson were raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, until the age of 17, when his family moved to Gardena, California. James graduated from Gardena High School and went on to El Camino College, where he met Carolyn, who would become his wife of 63 years until her passing in 2016.

James and Carolyn moved to Whittier, California and raised their children Mark and Mary Ann. He was a great father to his kids, surrounding them with love and support, and instilling in them integrity, courage, and compassion for others. As a family, they spent summers sailing, camping, hiking, and exploring the western United States.

While working evenings at Whittier High School, James completed his bachelor's degree at Cal State Los Angeles. He then then began his beloved career as an educator, teaching math and computer programming at Pioneer High School in Whittier. James was an early adopter of personal computers, and convinced his school to set up a computer lab of Apple computers. James also obtained a master's degree from Azusa Pacific University.

While teaching at Pioneer High, James engaged in another passion of his, hiking. He started a Hiking Club and took students on numerous hiking adventures. Along the way, he sparked an enthusiasm for hiking in many of his students.

James and his family were long-time members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. They were active in the church, and for many years Carolyn was the organist and choir director, and James could be found ushering.

James had a keen intellect and an insatiable curiosity throughout life. He never stopped learning and he never stopped teaching. He was witty, and well-known for his great sense of humor. He had a love of family, friends, hiking, camping, sailing in Alamitos Bay, traveling the United States, computers, and woodworking.

James is predeceased by his parents, his brother Bud, and his wife Carolyn. He is survived by his children Mark Johnson (Eileen) and Mary Ann Johnson, sister-in-law Fran Otto, sister-in-law Polly Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.