James A. Johnson

James Alan Johnson died unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at the age of 63. Jim was born September 22st, 1961 in DeKalb, IL to Stanley Alan and Beatrice JoAnn Johnson. Jim graduated from Rockford West High School, Class of 1979.
Jim had a magnetic personality and a sense of humor with no bounds. Jim would be the first person to call if you needed anything. He was truly devoted to his family who will miss him greatly. He will be forever in their hearts.
Jim was owner operator of Forest City Service, a heating and air conditioning company that his father started in 1974 in Rockford, IL. After his father passed, he was known for saying, "If I'm going to fill my father's boots, then I might as well keep them!" He still had them. And his daughter Carlie still continues his legacy in the HVAC business.
Jim was also an extremely talented musician, playing the drums since he was a child. He also had a reputation as one of the best recording engineers in the Rockford/Chicago area and for mentoring countless musicians. He started his recording career while playing the drums for his band "Agent". This led to his owning a successful recording studio from 1986 to 2006 in Loves Park, IL, known as the (Underground) Noise Chamber. He received numerous local music awards and recorded many popular local bands. A major highlight was the several times the band "Cheap Trick" used his studio. Another highlight was meeting Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles at a party. He also played the drums for several bands such as: The Hill Worms, Rock Fish, Cold Dog, and Can't Touch This.
Jim is predeceased by his parents. Surviving family includes Brenda Johnson; daughters, Carlie Johnson and Megan Montalvo; grandchildren, Madison and Riley Munson; step-mother, Melody Johnson; siblings, Stan (Jennifer) Johnson, Barb (John) Jagdfeld, Sheryl (Mike) Drost, Terri Johnson, and Donna Jones; several nieces and nephews including Amber, Amy, Stuart, Annette, Elizabeth, and Catherine; and several great-nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs, Molly and Tito.
Special thanks to Ed Dulian and Brian Erickson who supported him through his journey.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 at the Lombardi Club, 209 Olive St., Rockford, IL 61107, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. This will be a music friendly event. There will be a core band and musicians are encouraged to participate. A backline will be provided by George Wulf. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a fund to be determined.
"A true musician never dies; he just quits performing live."
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