James Richard "Jim" JOHNSON

James Richard "Jim" Johnson, son of David "Dave" and Mildred (Wright) Johnson, was born January 26, 1949, in Lebanon, Missouri and entered his Heavenly home on August 26, 2025, at his home in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy-six years.

Jim, was saved and baptized as a young boy of only nine years old, while attending White Oak Pond Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Later in life, he became one of the founding members of Ozark Bible Church, where he also served as a Deacon and Song Leader for many years. He loved his church family and treasured every moment of fellowship they shared.

On February 5, 1971, Jim was united in marriage with his forever love, Phyllis Dame. To this union was born two children, Tracy and Randall. Jim and Phyllis shared fifty-four years of precious memories, sharing countless laughs, side by side.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served our country. He obtained the rank of SP4, as well as Expert Sharpshooter; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal W/DVC60 and two O/S Bars. Jim was a proud American and dedicated to the future success of our country.

After his honorable discharge, Jim returned home, where he dairy farmed for a period of time before becoming a career truck driver. He drove for various companies over the years, eventually owning his own truck. He retired after driving over the road for over forty years.

According to his family, Jim didn't really have "hobbies." He was a dedicated and devoted family man, most content surrounded by his kids and grandkids. He was known to enjoy fishing, not necessarily catching, but certainly reaping the benefits of a good fish fry. He also enjoyed traveling and camping with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two children, Tracy Cornelison and her husband, Dwayne and Randall Johnson and his wife Rachael, all of Lebanon, MO; grandchildren, Kelli Lamkins and her husband, Jake, Kurtis Cornelison and his wife, Brooke, Matthew Cornelison and his wife, Abby, David Johnson and his wife, Katlyn, Riley Bell and her husband, Dalton, all of Lebanon, MO; great-grandchildren, Haddie, Kendall and Reagan Cornelison, Hoyt and Kaylyn Lamkins, Rowan, Emersyn and Renley Cornelison and Maddux Johnson; bonus grandchildren, Brandon Cornelison and his wife, Amy, of Conway, MO, Heath Cornelison and his wife, Amber, of Clever, MO and Melanie Mowery and her husband, Jason, of Lebanon, MO; bonus great-grandchildren, Grant, Callie and Griffin Cornelison, Jay, Melanie Brooke and Kaden Mowery; brother-in-law, Harry Garrison of Jefferson City, MO; several nieces and nephews; other relatives, including cousin, Bill Johnson and his wife Ginger; church family and many friends.

Those preceding him in death include his parents; two sisters, Sharon Brown and Deanna Garrison; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Eulous and Wilma Dame; and one brother-in-law, Dennis Dame.

Jim was the type of person you could meet once and remember forever. His serious demeanor was deceiving because he spent a majority of his time telling jokes or "slightly embellished" stories to family and friends. Our lives are better because of Jim. He will be missed, but how lucky we are to have the promise of Heaven and a great reunion day.

Memorials have been suggested to Ozark Bible Church.

Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, PO Box 948, 1001 Lynn Street, Lebanon, MO 65536