James Bernard Johnson's Obituary
James Bernard Johnson, age 82, passed away on Thursday, February 11, 2016, in Kenosha, WI. Jim was born January 25, 1934, in Indianapolis to Arthur and Bonnie Johnson.
Jim attended Shortridge High School, in Indianapolis, where he was Senior Class Officer and Year Book Editor. After graduation, he attended Butler University where he earned a BS in Business Administration (Journalism). He belonged to the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was Drift Yearbook Editor. After graduating from college, Jim was in active duty from 1956-1958 in the U.S. Army and in Reserve Duty from 1959-1962. He spent some of his army time in Korea and Japan. He was proud to be one of the editors for the Stars & Stripes Newspaper.
Jim lived and worked in Indianapolis up until he moved to Two Rivers, Wisconsin. In 1964, he began employment with SC Johnson. Jim also worked at In-Sink-Erator and Genesis Productions for a number of years.
On June 11, 1976, he married the former Karen Hansen Samas, in Racine. They would have celebrated their 40th anniversary this year.
Jim was very active in the Advertising Club of Racine, serving as President in 1970-1971 and 1988-1989, and was the 1976 Silver Medal Award winner. Jim had a great sense of humor and always had a joke or two up his sleeve. He remembered every movie, actor and sports figure there was. If you couldn’t think of someone who played in an old movie, he was the man to call. He loved movies, to watch basketball, the Green Bay Packers, auto races, and his favorite baseball player of all times was Stan (The Man) Musiel. Growing up in Indianapolis, he was fortunate to go to all the Indy 500 races. Even after moving to Racine, he still went every year up until a few years ago. He attended many Cam Am races and personally knew all of the race car drivers. Oh, so many stories to tell and pictures to see. He was a great collector of memorabilia to reflect all stages of his life. He played golf for many years and while living in Indianapolis had the opportunity to meet some of the great golf legends. He was an avid reader. Jim was a very loving, devoted father and husband, and will be missed by his family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife, Karen, his children: Son and wife, David & Anne Johnson of Buchanan, MI; daughter and husband, Anne & Eric Loehr of Brighton, MI; daughter and husband, Laura & Danny Bowman, of Overland Hills, KS and daughter, Kathryn Allen of Racine. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Carly Warren, Jake Loehr, Meghan and Amanda Bowman, and Hannah Johnson; his sister Judy Duso of W. Peabody, MA; niece and husband, Amy & Derek Bedard and their children Adam & Liah, of Groveland, MA; nephew Christopher Duso of W. Peabody MA; Goddaughter, Joy Ellen Totka of Athens, GA; and many other friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Courtney Duso, and step children Jayne Marie and Philip Samas.
At his request, there will be no service but a Celebration of his Life with his family will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hospitality Nursing and Rehab in Kenosha, for the loving care Jim received for the past two years while in their care.
Memorials to Alzheimer’s Research have been suggested. Condolences may be expressed at www.wilsonfuneralhomeracine.com.
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