Mr. Johnson was born on June 10, 1952 in Lackawanna to Francis W. and Bessie J. (Joslyn) Johnson. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1970. On May 25, 1984, he married Sandra L. Thomas, who survives.
James worked for many companies over the years. Most recently he worked at Current Controls in Wellsville before retiring due to health concerns. Previously he worked for Friendship Foundry in Friendship and Bulktaners in Belmont. He drove school bus for Olean High School and was a maintenance employee at Richburg Central School in his younger years.
In addition to his wife of 34 years, Jim is survived by seven daughters, Tracy (Ed) Trunko and Amy (Ken) Weatherby, both of Hinsdale, Bobbi Jo (Joshua) Hall of Lynchburg, Va., Christy (Mike) Graham of Belmont, Tabatha (D.J.) Thomas and Tonya Armstrong, both of Wellsville and Tiffany (Laramy) Cornelius of Friendship; one son, Jonathan Johnson of Kennesaw, Ga.; two brothers, Ward (Robin) Johnson and Daniel Johnson, Sr., both of Hume; two sisters, Darlene (Doug) McDade of Rochester and Evelyn (Brian) Crane of Allegany; 26 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed the old Westerns and detective shows on TV like Perry Mason and Matlock. Jim loved going to the local races such as Allentown’s Drum Raceway, Woodhull Raceway and Allegany County Memorial Speedway in Allentown. As a young man, he enjoyed hunting. Mostly though, he enjoyed the simple pleasure of spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren, doing the things that created lasting memories. He also loved his dogs.
Jim was a member of the Cuba VFW.
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. Per his request, there will be no funeral service. A private burial in Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville will be held at the convenience of the family.
