James M. "Jim" Johnson

James Michael Johnson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, musician, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Vallejo, California, on January 17, 2026. He was 79 years old.

Jim was born on November 4, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas to Frank and Agnella Johnson. He grew up in Norwalk in Southern California, later spent many years in Oregon, and ultimately made his home in Vallejo, where he lived for the past 41 years.

A lifelong learner and devoted educator, Jim earned his bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach. He went on to receive his master's degree from Penn State University, where he also taught for many years, and later completed his PhD at Temple University. His passion for education and thoughtful scholarship left a lasting impact on countless students.

Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1969. He was very proud to have been a member of the First Air Calvary. His service and sense of duty remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. He often said his goal was to live a life worthy of honoring the brothers he lost in the war.

A man of deep faith, Jim loved reading and studying the Bible and took great joy in leading Bible study classes. He was extremely open with his faith – sharing The Gospel from the gym to the grocery store to homeless encampments in Vallejo, where he would deliver bibles and blankets. He was a self proclaimed "prayer warrior" and loved to pray for those he did and didn't know. The joy and honor of his life was sharing The Gospel and bringing many to Christ. He instilled this deep faith in his daughters and grandsons.

He was also an avid football fan, especially devoted to the Los Angeles Rams and Penn State Nittany Lions. He often attended Rams games at the Los Angeles Coliseum with his father in the 1950's. He passed his love for The Rams on to his wife and daughters, and the four of them spent countless hours together cheering for their team. One of his favorite pastimes was watching, preparing for, and creating mock drafts for the NFL Draft.

Music was one of Jim's greatest passions. He was a songwriter, guitarist, and lead vocalist, and for more than 25 years he led his own band, the Rock 'n' Relics. He was known for his powerful singing voice and tribute act to The Blues Brothers.

Jim had many dogs during his lifetime, but his favorite was Reese, a beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback that he trained to be a service dog through Paws for Healing. Jim and Reese spent many hours visiting nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Jim was a beloved member of the community, spending many years working with the developmentally disabled in Vallejo. After he retired, he still took his wife and daughters to visit group homes, especially during the holidays, to bring cookies, gifts, and hugs, and to sing Christmas carols. He was known for driving around Vallejo in his red PT Cruiser convertible, with the top down and his First Air Calvary ball cap on.

Jim also enjoyed relaxing with his favorite Westerns and war movies and never missed an opportunity to watch The Rockford Files. He took special pride in watching his grandsons play baseball. Jim was a pitcher and third baseman in high school, and was so happy that his grandsons play those same positions. He spent many hours offering tips, wisdom and encouragement, and some of his happiest times were cheering for them from the stands.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jean Johnson; his devoted daughters, Jennifer Johnson and Jamie Johnson Mahabir, and her husband Clarence; his sister-in-law, June Lillis, and her husband Roger; and his two treasured grandsons- his "buddies", Ethan and Rowan Mahabir.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his intellect, his music, his gentle humor (dad jokes!), and the deep love he had for his family. His life touched many, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Service details will be added after they are confirmed.