James Walker "Jim" Johnson II

James Walker "Jim" Johnson II, 73, of Evansville, IN passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital. He was born May 2, 1952 in Evansville to the late Captain Paul Hontz Johnson and Marion Geraldine (McSweeney).

The young James Walker was so resourceful as a kid. To earn spending money, he had a paper route and cut grass to save for his own lawn mower. He had his own shoe shine spot in his neighborhood barbershop and milked goats in exchange for organ lessons. His favorite spot in the house was the dumbwaiter, where he could be found dropping peanuts in his Coke while reading his favorite comics.

Jim worked as a foreman at Windsor Plastics and later as a carrier for Radiopharmacy. He was a member of Masonic Lessing Lodge #464. He enjoyed spending time "junking", reading, fishing, and hunting (rabbits and morels). He also had a special love for history, astronomy, and coin collecting. He cherished annual trips to the West Virginia mountains with family. Everything he did was enriched with his vast knowledge and love for music. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor. No family member or close friend could escape his teasing and jabbing.

Jim was a devoted and loving Gramps, always beaming with pride when speaking of his three grandchildren. Their accomplishments brought him immense joy, whether academic or personal. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren including watching every single band competition and "supervising" them mowing his grass. Jim celebrated every milestone with heartfelt enthusiasm. His unwavering support and encouragement left a lasting impact on each grandchild. The legacy of Gramps continues to live on through them.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marla (Pate) Johnson (together 46 years); daughter, Stacie (Donald) Inman; grandchildren, Brett, Aubrey, and Carlie Inman; siblings, Mike (Wanda) Johnson of St. Petersburg, FL, Pat Brackett, and Tom (Barb) Johnson of Sarasota, FL, Paul (Nancy) Johnson II of Orlando, FL, Jo Jakeway of Ocala, FL, Gerri Kirkpatrick of Atlanta, GA, Lisa (Jack) Gruber of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and Lori Boyd of Farmington Hills, MI; sister-in-law, Beulah Johnson of Houston, TX ; 31 nieces and nephews; multiple great-nieces and great-nephews; siblings-in-law, Bettye Pate, JoNell Stewart, Jeff (Debbie) Pate, Charlene (Larry) Bitter, Judy (Mel) Miller, Denise (Jeff) Haury and Mary Pate; and special friends, Dave, Debi, and Spenser Powell of Haubstadt, IN.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Johnson; sister, Sharon Woody; brothers-in-law, Max Brackett, Mark Kirkpatrick, Marcus Jakeway and Dan Pate.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Ziemer Funeral Home East Chapel, 800 S. Hebron Ave., Evansville where a Memorial service will begin at 6:00 p.m. The Memorial service will be livestreamed at www.ziemerfuneralhome.com and can be found on Jim's tribute wall 10 minutes prior to the service time. Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025 at Resurrection Catholic Church, 5301 New Harmony Rd., Evansville. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jerry Pratt officiating and will be livestreamed at https://www.resurrectionevv.com.

Burial will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2500 Mesker Park Dr., Evansville, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, The Dollywood Foundation, C/O Finance Department, 111 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor, Sevierville, TN 37862.