James C. Johnson's Obituary
Jim was born in Detroit and raised in Royal Oak. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1959, he moved to the Whitehall area and married Joanne Vis, also from Royal Oak, in 1961. Jim spent the majority of his career at Shaw-Walker/Knoll as plant manager.
The father of three: Lisa Simms (Gary), Laura Price (Tom) and Erik Johnson (Lisa). He also has seven grandchildren: Ashley Simms (Katie), Josh Price (Lesby), Connor Price (Savannah), Logan Price, Haley Zheng (Allen), Claire Johnson and Cameron Johnson, as well as two great-grandchildren: Quincy Price (four years) and Brooker Simms (eight months).
Community service was very important to Jim. He was in the Jaycees, serving as project chair for a variety of activities and fund raisers. As a charter member in Northside Lions, Jim served in many leadership roles. He was involved in local organizations too, including Old Newsies and “Y” Indian Guides. He was very involved in First Lutheran Church congregation, as well as St. Peter’s congregation in Ft. Myers, FL.
Staying active was always important to Jim. He was a swimmer in high school and swam intramurally in college. He had been an avid runner and enjoyed decades of skiing with his family and friends. He always loved a good round of golf. He climbed mountains and hiked overseas well into his 70s. Jim had skill and talent in construction, made several large pieces of furniture and built additions onto the family home. Jim was known by family and friends as being the guy who could repair anything…well, almost anything.
Jim had a gift for maintaining lifelong friendships and making new and cherished friends throughout his life. He and Joanne traveled the world, but he loved most spending time with family and participating in the many activities of his grandkids. His was truly a life well lived.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1206 Whitehall Rd, Muskegon, MI 49445. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple, Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James’ honor can be made directly to First Lutheran Evangelical Church, St. Peter Lutheran Church Fort Myers Beach, FL, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of your choice. You may visit the family’s online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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