James R Johnson

Air Force

James (Jim) R. Johnson

9/14/1960 - 4/16/2020 
 
Master Sergeant James Russell Johnson quietly left this earth on April 16th, 2020, at the age of 59. Best known for his loving, generous heart, he bravely fought his cancer with rarely a complaint.

Jim, also known as JJ, Dad and Grandpa, was a devoted husband and proud father always putting his loved ones before himself.  Jim was born on September 14th, 1960 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  His birth parents were  Janice B. Johnson (nee Strandell) and Russell Billings, however he was adopted by Janice’s husband, E. William Johnson, of Grafton, WI.

As a young man, Jim was always curious, friendly and willing to try new things.  He loved swimming, ice skating, waterskiing on Wisconsin lakes and downhill on the mountains of Utah. He was a gifted mechanic and developed expertise in technology, electronics and communications. Jim adored his kids, loved all kinds of music and movies and was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers.  

James’ most well-known professional accomplishment was his 25 years of service to his country, in the United States Air Force from 1981 until his retirement in 2006.  He served internationally spending years in Turkey, Guam, Germany and his favorite home, the Philippine Islands where he took up deep sea diving.  And in Angeles City, PI, JJ met and married the love of his life, Maria Victoria Daproza Johnson in July 1987.  When Mt. Pinatuba erupted in 1991, the couple was evacuated and relocated to McDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. There, Jim and Maria (Marivic) were blessed with two beautiful children, James Andrew in 1992 and Emily Morgan in 1997.  James completed his military career in Germany, ranking as Master Sergeant. The family returned to Florida and he worked for the United States Department of Defense, in Public Safety, and earned his engineering degree in 2017.  

Outside of his family, Jim enjoyed exotic cooking, playing pool, doing home projects and repair work. He unselfishly cared for his mother and her affairs before and after she passed in 2018. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his precious granddaughter, Evie.  Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Johnson, his Filipina grandma, Agrapina Caligayahan, and his best canine buddy, Alf.  He is survived by his beautiful wife, Marivic, his children Andrew (and wife Paige), his daughter Emily Johnson, and his granddaughter Evelyn Johnson, all of Longwood, Florida.  In addition, he will be deeply missed, by his three sisters, Catherine Johnson of Miami, Linda Johnson of Milwaukee and Cindy Velcheck of Pewaukee, Wisconsin.  He also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, as well as nieces and nephews in Australia, Dubai, the Philippines, Hawaii, Texas and Wisconsin. 
 
Memorial services honoring and celebrating the life of James Johnson will be arranged at a later time due to the current health crisis.