James W. Johnson

James W. Johnson

April 9, 1939 - July 2, 2024

PEORIA, AZ - James W. Johnson was born in Flint, MI, on April 9, 1939, to Lester W. and Bertha I. (Walden) Johnson. He died on July 2, 2024, at age 85 after a brief illness.

In 1950, Jim and his mother moved to downtown Madison where they lived through the 1950s. Jim graduated from Central High School in 1957. He worked at Schappe Pontiac from 1959-1981. For two decades, he was one of the top Pontiac salesmen in the Midwest later becoming General Manager of the used car department.

In 1981, Jim opened his own successful late model used car business, Cartex Auto Sales, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2004. He moved to Arizona and worked in classic car sales until his death. In 2015, Jim was named to the "10 of the Valley's Most Eligible Singles" list by Phoenix Magazine.

Jim is survived by sons, Jeffrey (Lisa), Doug, and Eric; five grandchildren, Abby, Collin, Grace, Madeline, and Aden; along with his lifelong friend Jean Norman; and many other friends and relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; and son, Kyle.

Though he put on a gruff and sarcastic front, he had a tender side. In the end we are all originals and Jim was one of a kind.