James Lee Johann

James Lee Johann
January 21, 1963-
March 9, 2013
Resident of Watsonville
Saturday, March 9th 2013, Jim lost his courageous eighteen-month battle with Leukemia surrounded by his family and those who loved him.
Jim was born on January 21, 1963 to Robert and Ann Johann. A graduate of Moreland Notre Dame and Watsonville High School, Jim joined his father, brother, uncle, and cousin at Bake-Rite Bakery; first as a baker and later as a master cake decorator. He then went on to work for Big Creek Lumber for nearly ten years.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing, especially during salmon season. Jim and his band of friends traveled throughout the state as they sought the perfect site for camping. An evening spent with friends around the campfire was something he treasured.
Jim was an avid hobbyist; he spent time woodworking, boatbuilding, and mastering just about anything with an engine. A master griller, Jim won awards three out of four years that he competed in the Hew Que cook off.
Jim's proudest achievement was being dad, co-adventurer, and with Mary's help, being best bud to his son Mathew. Whether camping, taking a helicopter ride, or just counting together, being with Mathew brought him such joy.
Throughout his battle with Leukemia, Jim remained positive. Rather than dwell on his sickness, he chose to cherish the time he had, counting every day with his friends, especially Sheryl, and of course Shaun and Tommy as "another fine day in paradise." He will be deeply missed by all.
He is survived by his son Mathew, mother Ann Johann, brother Rob (Janet) Johann, sister Karane (Jerry) Fischer, his nephews Joshua and Christopher Fischer and Brent Nicholson, nieces Ami, Jessie, and Sarah Fischer, and Julia Nicholson, and Uncle and Aunt Harold (Jeanne) Johann, Aunt Catherine Duncan, and numerous cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Johann.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to: Moreland Notre Dame School, 133 Brennan St. Watsonville; Saint Francis High School, 2400 East Lake Ave. Watsonville; Reeve-Irvine Research Center, www.reeve.uci.edu/donation.html or your favorite charity
A combined mass and rosary will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians Church on Monday, March 18th at 10 AM with interment to follow at Valley Catholic Cemetery. Mehl's Colonial Chapel has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.