James E. Johnson Jr.

James E. Johnson Jr.
Franklin - James E. Johnson Jr. of Franklin passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 24, 1943, in Jacksonville the son of James E. Sr. and Alice "Billie" Ryan Johnson. He married Catherine A. Lockhart on June 26, 1965, at the Church of Our Saviour and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
He is survived by his wife; seven children, Diane Hungerford (Scott), Denise Waggener (Tim), Donna Miller, Deborah Burnett (Mike), Jimmie Johnson IV (Alissa), Deann Scheets and Jonathan Johnson (Katina); eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Judy Norris (Tom) and Paul Johnson (Lin).
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dana Johnson; grandson, Scotty Miller; son-in-law, Craig Scheets; and his sister, Marie Plasmier.
James E. Johnson Jr., affectionately known as "Jamie", started farming at age 6 alongside his dad. He graduated from Routt Catholic High School in 1962 and continued farming until his retirement in 2009. He also was a truck driver for Robert P. Johnson Grain and later Scoular Grain retiring in 2012.
He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa whose greatest pleasure in life was spending time with his family, never missing a sporting event, recital, graduation, or any special event involving his children and grandchildren. They could always look up in the stands and know they would see him there. He was always their biggest supporter, coach, and cheerleader.
One of his most beloved pastimes was antique tractor pulling with his Oliver 88 tractor. He won countless first place trophies throughout his pulling career. He was a lifelong dedicated Cubs fan, and an avid watcher of cowboy movies and NASCAR races. He had a love of music showcasing his talents by singing at his children's weddings.
He was a devout Catholic and a member of Our Saviour Catholic Church where he served as an usher and Eucharistic minister for many years. He was also a member of the Cass-Morgan County Farm Bureau and the Knights of Columbus.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Church of Our Saviour, with burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery near Franklin. A prayer service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 at the Williamson Funeral Home with visitation following from 4 until 6 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Winchester Area Special Olympics Athletes or American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.