James L. Johnson

It is with profound sorrow that we announce that James L. Johnson died on December 7, 2025, at the age of 71. Jim was born on November 22, 1954, in Sandwich, Illinois, to Marvin and Helen (Anderson) Johnson. He was the youngest of five children and graduated from Newark Community High School in 1972.
Upon graduation, Jim began working at Gordon's Sports Center, where he developed his gift for small-engine repair. What started as a job quickly became a skill he mastered with patience and ingenuity. He later brought that same talent to John Deere and ultimately to Oberweis Dairy, where he became known for his ability to diagnose and fix mechanical problems of every kind. If it had parts, Jim could make it run.
Jim was known for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He truly never met a stranger. His laughter, smile, and easygoing spirit made people feel welcome wherever he went.
Jim served his community through the fire department, and he was also a member of Newark Lutheran Church.
He approached life with enthusiasm. He loved fishing and found joy in riding his motorcycles, snowmobiles, or anything with four wheels. Above all, his greatest happiness was time spent with family.
Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The kindness he showed and the relationships he built leave a legacy that will continue in the hearts of his family and friends.
Jim's life is remembered with love by his children-Aaron Johnson, Peter (Erika) Johnson, and Sarah (Christopher) Acker-and by his fourteen grandchildren: Nathan, Jacob, Seth, Elisabeth, Nora, Eli, Danne, Ayva, Chloe, Hudson, Hope, Caleb, Harrison, and Crew. His companion, Debbie Dillon, will miss him as well. His siblings-Marcia (Floyd) Nagel, Gordie (Judy) Johnson, Wayne (Vicki) Johnson, and Kay Estensen-will cherish a lifetime of memories with him. Jim's extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends will continue to hold his memory close.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Helen (Anderson) Johnson; his brother-in-law, Glenn Estensen; and his nephew, Matthew Estensen.
Jim's grandsons-Nathan, Jacob, Seth, Eli, Danne, Hudson, Caleb, Harrison, and Crew-along with Chris Estensen, Mike Kratzer and Stewart Slack, will honorably serve as his pallbearers.
A visitation will be held on December 11, 2025, from 3:00 PM until the time of service at 6:00 PM at Newark Lutheran Church, 101 E. Liberty Street, Newark, IL. Funeral arrangements entrusted to GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME. For information: www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com or 630-554-3888.