Rev. Dr. James P. Johnson

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. James (Jim) P. Johnson, who died peacefully on January 11, 2026 with his family beside him. Jim was born in Indianapolis, Indiana in June 1940 to Ralph and Laura Johnson. Jim grew up in Monon, IN where he attended North White High School and went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, IN.

Jim's religious faith led him to degrees at Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis. He also earned a joint degree from Christian Theological Seminary and Butler University in Indianapolis. Following his ordination, Jim served as a congregational pastor at St. Charles Christian Church in Missouri and then Vice President of the Christian Church Foundation based in Florida. Jim left the Foundation and was then called to serve as president of the Christian Church Finance Council until 1992.

In 1992, Jim returned to the Christian Church Foundation as president until 2003, where his leadership would leave a lasting mark. Upon his retirement the Christian Church Foundation created the James P. Johnson Stewardship Award to honor a congregation or individual for outstanding commitment to stewardship, planned-giving, and mission giving. Jim was named the first recipient of the award.

Jim's calling to stewardship and philanthropy continued beyond retirement. He served as Director of Planned Giving for the Mayo Foundation in Rochester, Minnesota, and in August 2008 was named the 16th President of Lexington Theological Seminary.

While Jim was widely respected for his financial expertise and strategic leadership, those who knew him best remember him foremost as a mentor, a trusted friend, and a man of deep faith. He believed leadership was less about being impressive and more about being trustworthy; less about being right and more about being faithful.

Jim loved his wife, Nancy, with a devotion both tender and fierce, a love that reflected covenant lived fully and faithfully. He loved his family with the same wholeheartedness, seeing each person as a chapter in the story God was writing through his life.

Jim had many hobbies and enjoyed attending his grandchildren and great grandchildren sporting events. In his early years he spent hours on the water with his family teaching them to water ski, camping and canoeing in the Ozarks, fly fishing in the northwest with his son, or biking down the California coast. He loved the outdoors. In recent years, he volunteered 1,355 hours as a Patient Escort for the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL.

At the time of his death, Jim was living in Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy. He is survived by his children, Joanna and Jim (Cindy); his grandchildren, Bailey (Zach), Trent, Colin, and Jennifer; and his great-granddaughters, Collins and Palmer.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of generosity, innovation, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the Church's mission. While many mourn his loss, they also find comfort in the promise of resurrection and gratitude for a life so faithfully lived.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jim's remarkable life will be held on February 28 at 1:30 p.m. at Geist Christian Church, 8550 Mud Creek Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46256

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the "James P. and Nancy J. Johnson Endowment Fund for Ministry." Checks can be made out to Christian Church Foundation and sent to P.O. Box 1007, Indianapolis, IN 46206, or donations can be made online to christianchurchfoundation.org/donate.

Local arrangements entrusted to Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory in Greenfield