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James Carl "JJ" Johnson

James Johnson Obituary

James Carl "JJ" JOHNSON Age 44. James Carl "JJ" Johnson passed away as a result of an automobile accident in Spokane on October 7, 2009. JJ was born on January 27, 1965 in Sunnyside, Washington. He attended school in Sunnyside, Washington and graduated with the Sunnyside High School class of 1983. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at University of Puget Sound in Tacoma in 1987. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. In 1987, JJ was hired by Merck and Co. Pharmaceuticals as a Sales Representative. He worked in that capacity for over 20 years. He was based in Anchorage, Alaska, a state he truly enjoyed living and working in. After his time with Merck, he joined Genentech. He took great pride in educating medical personnel in the uses of 'Rituxan". JJ felt fortunate to promote products which improved the quality of life for so many people. In 1990, while flying 30,000 feet over the skies of Alaska, JJ met the true love of his life, Tracia Eberly. They were married on October 4, 1991, a loving bond they will share forever. JJ left the state of Alaska with his wife and in 1992 moved to the community of Freeman, where they gained many wonderful friendships. Most important in Jim's life was his devotion to God and to his family. His priority of family togetherness took JJ and his family on many wonderful adventures with his favorite being the Hawaiian Islands. His love for family was evident in virtually everything he did. JJ is survived by his wife Tracia and two daughters, Julia and Vanessa at the home; his parents Ray and Marie Johnson, Sunnyside; a brother Ron (Nancy) Johnson, Yakima; a sister Judy (Ethan) Reavis, Yakima; a sister Lori Sander, Yakima; many other family members and friends who will miss him greatly. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 215 E. Rockwood Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 Noon Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at Sacred Heart Church. A reception will follow. Interment will be at the Queen of Peace Cemetery at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. All are welcome to the committal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made directly to the James Johnson Memorial Fund. The proceeds will go directly to Julia and Vanessa Johnson's college fund. Donations can be made at any Bank of America branch. Please visit JJ's memorial and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home, 509-328-2600

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Published by The Seattle Times from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson

Sponsored by Shawn Murphy, proud to say a Friend.

35 Entries

October 19, 2009

Tracia,
I regret that I never met your husband or your children. Annette has shared your happiness with me over the years and for that I am grateful. Be strong and know that he will live on through your girls.
Tom Vaiden

Annette Sallee

October 18, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

J.J. and cooper at the lake this Summer

October 18, 2009

Norma Rivellini

October 15, 2009

Tracia and girls. I am Michele Oty's Mom and after hearing about what a wonderful person JJ was, I was so moved by his loss. He sounded like an angel while on earth and he is definitely a guardian angel now watching over you all. I especially was moved with the work he did with rituxin. You see my husband is a cancer survivor and that was one of the meds he got in his chemo treatment as well as being on a two year preventative program with it. I truly believe JJ's passion for people and his work did so much good for people with cancer. My heart goes out to you all and know you are in our thoughts and prayers even though we have never met. God bless you all,
Norma and Tony Rivellini

October 15, 2009

Mary Sims

October 15, 2009

Tracia and girls, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this tragic time. We have been lucky to have JJ at Freeman as a parent with such enthusiasm and drive for our children. He will truly be missed. Joey is thinking about you too Vanessa and keeping you in his prayers. You and Julia have to remember Daddy is your guardian angel now and he will always be watching over you. I am so very sorry for your loss. God Bless you Girls.
The Sims Family

Victoria Dunlap

October 14, 2009

Tracia, Julia and Vanessa,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.

Shaun Pichler

October 14, 2009

Tracia, Julia and Vanessa,

My deepest sympathies to you. JJ was a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face. He touched many lives and always in a positive way. We worked together at Merck.

Serge Brunet

October 13, 2009

I was so sad to hear that James had died. I knew him as a colleague who was always warm and friendly at meetings. His devotion to his family was apparent to everyone. My sincere condolences to his family.

Brenda Dotson

October 13, 2009

Tracia, Julia and Vanessa,
As your neighbors across the street we saw on a daily basis the love and admiration your family shared with one another. JJ was truly the role model of a genuine family man. We are just sorry we did not spend more time with your family. It is our loss for sure. If there is anything we can do for you, please just walk across the street, we will be here for you. JJ is protecting you from heaven and that will never end. He will be missed by all.

October 13, 2009

Tracia, Julia and Vanessa, I am so sorry for your loss. JJ was a great guy. He was so proud of all of you, during every meeting he would show pictures of his beautiful family. He will truly be missed. -Marleen Trujillo (Merck -Los Angeles, CA)

October 13, 2009

I'm going to miss J.J. very much, and it's heartbreaking to know that I won't be able to see him again. It's so unfortunate for me that I've seen so little of him since college. Anyone who knew him would agree heartily that he truly was one of the good guys. My deepest sympathies go out to all of his friends and family. Morgan McDowell (Tacoma, WA., Schaftlach, Germany)

Barb Hair

October 12, 2009

Dear Tracia, Julia and Vanessa, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. JJ was so proud of all of you. I knew James from our time together at Merck--we were hired within a few months of one another and worked in the same region most of our careers. He was a really special person. He was always kind, and ready to help anyone he could. He was someone people really trusted. He could always find the lighter side of a situation and bring a laugh or at least a smile to almost anyone. JJ had such a calm disposition. He had confidence and humility. He was a wonderful person who will be missed by many, and who let us all know how much he loved the three of you.

Tiana Andreas

October 12, 2009

Tracia,Julia, and Vanessa,
No words can express how deeply all of us at Merck admired JJ. We loved him for his warm and ready smile and for his quiet intelligence.He was bright,invariably kind,and good,but I think what made us all gravitate toward JJ was the joy he radiated in his love for you."My girls" he would say proudly referring to the three of you. His eyes would light up like a Christmas tree telling us about your latest singing accomplishments, or family vacation, and he would smile that sweet smile as though the very thought of you put music in his ears and honey in his mouth, and he was the luckiest man walking this earth.
Julie, and Vanessa. I know this is so hard for you. My dad died when I was 10 years old so I know how much you miss him already.But he loved you too much to ever leave you completely.If you listen with your hearts, you will always hear him, and feel his strong arms around you. Look up. He will be the brightest new star in God's heaven always smiling down on you.

October 12, 2009

Tracia and girls: Dave and I are so very sorry to learn of Jim's tragic death. And, we are glad that we had a chance to visit with him in July of 2008, when he was in Longview, for Dave's dad's funeral. He was a wonderful man, and father and husband, and we know he will be missed by all. As Dave is in Canada Moose hunting, we will not be able to attend the funeral, but please know that our hearts and prayers go out to you, the girls, and your entire family.
Dave and mary Sue Olson

Danyelle

October 12, 2009

JJ has always been one our favorite Drug Rep here @ CD'A Arthritis Clinic!! We send our deepest sympathy to his friends, & his Family.
He will truely be missed!!!
CD'A Arthritis Clinic Staff.

October 12, 2009

I didn't know JJ, but he was too young to be taken away from friends and family. I'am very sorry.
(we shared the same birthday) donna....az.

Mike Buhler

October 12, 2009

I met JJ in August of 1988 when we both started with Merck. We spent several months together during our training and then went our separate ways as we were assigned to different parts of the country. Our paths occasionally crossed at various meetings and we would recall our days together at the Bellevue Hilton (where our Merck training was conducted). What I remember most about JJ was a great sense of humor, always smiling and always calm. He had a "big picture" perspective on life that made me want to be around him. My deepest sympathies to his wife, children and extended family. God Bless you all.

Chris Mahre

October 12, 2009

Tracia, Julie and Vanessa,

Before it was "James" or "JJ" it was always "Jim" to me. Jim and I are one year apart but as cousins who shared countless vacations and family gatherings together growing up in Sunnyside we were the closest of friends. Jim was always the athletic one when we played together, and I was impressed with how he could outrun me, outmuscle me and outfish me - always with a good humored laugh. Every year as kids we saved our money for that annual vacation to Ilwaco for salmon fishing and fun at the beach. Jim loved life and he helped me love it too. He was a big part of my childhood that I will never forget. Later we were roommates for a time at college at Univ. of Puget Sound. We had great times together and I know his good influence will live on in your lives as it does mine.
God bless.

Jamie Pratt

October 12, 2009

I first met James and his wonderful family back in April 2009, and what I will always remember about James is his kind smile and how much he loved his family. My deepest sympathies and prayers go out to Trasia and his beautiful girls. James is deeply missed.

Paolo Liloc

October 12, 2009

I didn't know Mr. Johnson extremely well, but I regularly encountered him when his travel routines made their way to the Alaska Boardroom in Seatac.

What I do know is that he was well liked, he always showed the staff respect and courtesy, and he was a generous man.

I recently recall James coming thru the room with a sad look on his face. I inquired about it and he mentioned the loss of a close friend- at how short life is and how we was so glad to be headed home to be spending some of that time with his family.

Thank you, James- for reminding me how important life is. To live it spending our time significantly and with meaning.

And Thank you Johnson family for sharing such a remarkable person with us.

There are many people, sending you prayers and love.

Michele Oty

October 12, 2009

Tracia, Julia and Vanessa, We too are greatly saddened by the loss of JJ, a wonderful husband, father and friend. Getting to know JJ over a few gatherings has touched our hearts-great conversation of life and love for family! Know that during this time, you are all in our hearts and prayers. JJ will be greatly missed and in our hearts forever! May God bless you and watch over you during this time. When you feel that your Cross is a bit heavy to carry, know that you are not alone. With Love and God's Blessings~Brent, Michele, Mia and Jaydan Oty

Kim Witte

October 12, 2009

With deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. James had great pride and love for his family. When ever I saw him flying in or out of the Spokane airport, he always had a smile on his face. When ever talking about the girls or Tricia he just lit up with joy. I am deeply sadden of this tragedy but blesses to have known him. He will be greatly missed.
Love Kim Witte QX GEG

Mike Morphy

October 11, 2009

Tracia, Julie and Vanessa,
We are greatly saddened by the loss of JJ. We were fortunate to know him. He was a fine man that held his family first and foremost. Since you moved from the farm to Hangman, we have missed all of you. Whenever our paths crossed, he was always genuinely and sincerely happy to see his old neighbors. We were blessed with neighbors like you. When we saw all of you at the airport just a couple weeks ago, we only had a brief moment to say hello but knew then that he was just as he had always been - a truly caring person. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.

Mike and Michelle Morphy

Zan Williams

October 11, 2009

Tracia, Julia, Vanessa,
I am saddened beyond words about James' death. I can only offer my thoughts and prayers. JJ was my colleague through my whole tenure at Merck and we shared a territory for his last 3 years there. What I remember most about James is his sense of humor and his love for his family. He reminded me of Steve Martin (who I love), funny but also intelligent and endearing. I told him that after I got to know him a little, early in my Merck career. I also remember our frequent meetings to coordinate our shared territory. They were often at the airport because he was there all the time. His face would light up when he saw that it was you calling his cell phone. And he always had the most recent pictures (beautiful, I might add) of all his girls and he loved to share them. The world has lost a good man.

Steve Daley

October 11, 2009

So saddened to hear of JJ's passing. It's been several years since our paths had crossed, but the memories I have of JJ are fond ones. I could always count on a smile from JJ and a warm hand of friendship. I'm a better person for having known him, and a lesser person for not having known him even better. Godspeed.

Paul May

October 11, 2009

Co-workers - James, Shawn Murphy, myself. Fishing trip. Cabin. Alaska. James and I watch Shawn Murphy lay out his freshly pressed pants on his bed, his sox which we are certain he has ironed and laid out individually along with his neatly folded underwear etc. Shawn heads to the shower. James and I look at each other. Not a word said between us. Just the JJ shake of the head and that big smile we all remember. Until tomorrow, my friend! Until tomorrow!

Barbara Cruz

October 11, 2009

Tracia and family,
I only met James a few weeks ago. We met on a Horizon flight to Seattle where we discovered that we both worked for Genentech, and that we all live so close to each other. James's enthusiasm about his life, his love (s) all three of you beautiful "girls" (he had to share pictures) and for how blessed he was was contagious. He invited my boys and me to visit with all of you. I was so happy to have met such a genuinely happy and kind person. And looked forward to our new friendships. I am deeply sorry for your loss. And while that flight as you know is less than an hour, I knew that I met someone special. It is difficult to understand why God needed him now. I hope that there is some comfort to know that he is with God watching over all of you. God Bless you,
Barbara Cruz

Amy Holden

October 11, 2009

Tracia,Julie and Vanessa,
JJ was one of the first persons I met at Merck when I started many years ago. He helped orient and train me in my new territory. He was so kind and patient. I was always impressed with his calm confidence in the offices. He spoke of you all so warmly and shared such great pictures with us at all the meetings. JJ was one of the nicest, kind, thoughtful,caring man I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

Rick Realsen

October 11, 2009

James and I spent some great times together freezing our tails off on the Columbia River trying to catch Steelhead in weather that would deter man and beast alike. Other times I recall fishing the Columbia and lakes near Spokane. Soaking in the Rays and marvelling at God's Creation. We had some really great times tipping a micro-brew at home or in a pub somewhere. But the best times were toegher with our families, on a Sunday afternoon at one another's homes. We moved to Colorado in 1999 and have missed these dear friends. I have fond memories of helping build a deck at JJ's home on the Palouse during the Black-out in November of 1996 Ice Storm. Swinging a hammer by day and sleeping by a fire place to survive by night. JJ Loved Life. He was a wonderful friend, father and husband. He and I both loved Alaska. JJ always caught more fish than I did. And he had more tricks up his sleave than I, as well. I will always remember JJ as a fun but serious person who loved his family dearly and worked harder than anyone else at Merck to provide for those we love. Everyone like JJ. He was very successful at all he did. He loved Life. He is now with his Lord, enjoying the Paradise He promised on the Cross. I plan to see him again one day.

The Dust Family

October 11, 2009

We did not know your loved one, but as a resident of Badger Lake we are all family out here. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless You....

Rick & Becky Realsen

October 11, 2009

Tracia, It seems only yesterday when we were enjoying barbeques and your awesome calzones at your beautiful home out on the paloose valley. We are so sad to hear the news about JJ but we know he is with Jesus singing and smiling his big contagious smile like we remember so well about him. We just wish we could be there to help you through the days to come. Know that you and the girls are and will be in our prayers through the days to come. God Bless you, Rick, Becky and family.

Greg Douglass

October 11, 2009

I am mourning with you too. JJ or the more formal James as I called him at first were in the Merck training class at the Bellevue Hilton in August 1988. JJ and I became friends and enjoyed playing racquetball together after our long days of work. Although later separated by distance and work assignments we remained in touch through our meetings and I always admired JJ's calm confidence. This is a quality that has always impressed me about JJ. I also loved that he was always sincerely interested in other people, me included. I imagine this is why he is was so well liked and loved. He would always ask about me and my life and then listen. These are great qualities of character that I will greatly miss. We will all miss. I am sure we will need to rely on each other as we move forward with this great loss. I especially share the sorrow with his loving wife, daughters, and family. James always spoke lovingly of you and with deep gratitude.

marie bolen

October 11, 2009

Tracia and family, My heartfelt condolences to you or your family, I will always remember James smiling face and extactic love for his family as he flew out almost weekly at geg airport. James will be missed so much by all that knew him. Love Marie Bolen qx geg

Shawn Murphy

October 11, 2009

JJ and I were fresh out of college when we headed up to Alaska to begin our careers in 1988 and today I feel like I have lost a brother. We worked together, discovered Alaska together, fished together (he was the pro, but helped this rookie land a couple) and dodged mosquitoes long enough to play some golf together. We attended each other's weddings and watched our families grow together. While life eventually took use to different ends of Washington, I knew that a big smile and a hearty laugh were only a month or two away when either of us was visiting the others home turf. He truly was for me a role model as a friend, husband and father.

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