James A. Johnson

On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, James Allen Johnson, 81, of 311 Tupper Rd, W Danby, NY, passed peacefully at home with his beloved partner and wife, Susan Sarabasha, at his side. He was born in St Paul, MN, on December 26, 1944, to Neva and Eugene Johnson.

Jim had many interests, skills and talents. In his late teens, he was a Guide in the Boundary Waters. He studied ministry in Maine, fashioned silver and stone jewelry in Boston, was a respiratory therapist at Cortland Hospital, an organic farmer in Groton, a carpenter and builder of houses (Hill Top Builders) and beautiful spinning wheels and spindles (Hill Top Spindles), and maker of paddles and canoe repair (Hill Top Paddles). Jim also attended the University of Denver, where he was a Conscientious Objector during the Vietnam War. He completed his undergraduate degree at Empire State University and did graduate work in Forestry at Cornell.

Jim was very active with his church, St. John's Episcopal in Ithaca, serving for many years on the Vestry. He was also a Member of the Hiring Committees for the selection of both Mother Megan and Father Jeff as Church Priests.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; his daughter, Inge, and son, Eric, from his first marriage to Melody Johnson; his grandchildren, Tucker, Amelia, Bella, and Theo; his great-grandson, Rahsean; and his sister, Carmen, and sister-in-law, Kay, in Minnesota. He is also survived by his beloved fur family, his cats LouAnne and Lillie, and dog Bella.

A memorial service will be held at St John's Episcopal Church (Cayuga & Buffalo Sts, Ithaca) on Saturday, January 24, at 1:30.

Jim's cremated Ashes will be scattered in the Adirondacks and planted among native perennials. His ashes will also be stored in the Columbarium at St. John's.