James Johnson

James Hugh Johnson, 71 passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer on February 28, 2026, at South Shore Hospital, with his daughters and wife by his side. James was born in Boston, and was the son of the late Walter and Mildred Johnson of Lexington. James is survived by his devoted wife Phyllis and loving daughters Laura Mahoney and her husband Steve of Norwell, and Sarah Pessa and her husband Greg of Braintree. He has four grandchildren who he adored spending time with. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Colby and her husband Dave of Newton, NH, his sister Amy Sbordone and her husband Alexander of Newton, Ma, his sister Louise Johnson and husband Bruce Greene of Newton NH, his sister in law Linda Johnson of South Hampton NH, and his brother Walter and wife Brenda of Raymond NH, and late brothers Peter E. Johnson and Christopher Johnson.

James attended Lexington High School and Bridgewater State College and graduated in 1977 with a major in Sociology. He met Phyllis in College. She was a receptionist in the dorm, and he worked in the cafeteria. He offered her a cup of hot chocolate. They fell in love and married in 1979. He was a worker bee, and worked for his Dad's contracting business during college breaks and during the summers. After college he started a small remodeling business in Hull and was a talented craftsman. His woodworking talent lead him to a career as a millwork sales manager for Rivco and then Horner Millworker in Pembroke. Jim was a great leader and organizer and motivated the staff to excel in sales. In retirement he obtained a CDL license and was a bus driver for Joseph Ingle Bus Company. Jim loved his retirement job and found a sense of purpose driving for a variety of ages.

Jim showed his love of sports early in his life, and played basketball and football in High School. He excelled in the game of football and played for The Bridgewater State College Bears. He also enjoyed watching the sport when he got older. After college, he played on the Lexington Too High softball team with many of his close friends for a few years. He loved the game of golf and played for many years. James also coached girls basketball in the town of Hanover for his daughter's teams.

Jim and Phyllis took vacations before starting a family, and had fun traveling to the Bahamas, Mexico, Antigua, and Myrtle beach. Some of their family vacations included a cruise off of Florida, Disney, Bermuda , but his favorite place of all was near North Conway and the White Mountains of NH, at Cathedral Ledge Resort.

Jim was an American history enthusiast and avid reader. He especially loved learning about past Presidents. He was also a movie buff, and shared this passion with his family, often showing his daughters old films that he loved. He liked to tell people that he would bribe his daughters when they were kids, saying if they didn't like a movie he showed them he would give them $10, but they never took the money in the end.

He encouraged his daughters to work hard in school and then everything else will fall into place. He guided them both to pursuing careers that they love. He always emphasized his unconditional love and the importance of family. We will miss his words of encouragement and his guidance.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington St. Rte. 53, Hanover, MA on Friday, March 20th from 3-6pm. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Parish - St. Mary's, 392 Hanover St. Rte. 139, Hanover, MA on Saturday, March 21st at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Rockland C.A.R.E.S. or the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.