Johnson, James Emil (Crappie) Died peacefully at his home on August 22, 2008 with his family by his side. Memorial service 2:00 PM Thursday, August 28 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Visitation 1 hr prior to service. Jim was born on October 10, 1942 in Minneapolis to Florence (Frigard) and John Johnson. As a boy, his mother could always find him fishing under a bridge by his home in south Minneapolis. He learned to box with the Golden Gloves program for boys. He graduated in 1960 from Roosevelt High. Jim served in the Navy for four years (receiving special treatment because he boxed in Navy tournaments). Jim retired from the Soo Line Railroad in 1991 after working 20 years. After retirement he moved to Sauk Centre and resided on his family lot near Sauk Lake. Jim loved life, family, friends, golf and fishing. Crappie will always be remembered as a charismatic, adventurous and loving person. He will also be remembered for his compassion, his best and often given advice was "don't worry, everything will work out in the end." Jim is survived by his wife, Darlene Swank of Sauk Centre; children and grandchildren, Michael (Melissa) Johnson, Alyssa, Kailey & Kody, Andover, MN, Annie (Rick) Kuehl, Karena and Kyler, Rutland, VT; stepchildren and step-grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Hennen, Grady & Robert, St. Paul, Jennie (Andrew) Slater, St. Paul and Dena (Max) Sutlin Seattle, WA; sister, Patricia Running of Vancouver, WA; uncle, Hank (Eileen) Frigard of Princeton, MN; beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Sullivan and John Johnson. Memorials preferred to St. Michael's Hospice of Sauk Centre.
Dear classmates. Somehow Jim Johnson's obituary was omitted from our web site. I have reposted what I believe to be his obituary from 2018 in the Star Tribune. Much thanks to Tom Arenson for noticing that the obituary was missing.
Thanks, I was under the impression that he died in his mid 50s. We use to hang out in 1952 to 54. Went fishing at Nokomis, and saw Eisenhowers motorcade on Minnehaha Parkway. Played ping pong in his basement. Lots of good times.
Thomas J. Arneson
What happened to the obit?
Michael J. Harrison
Dear classmates. Somehow Jim Johnson's obituary was omitted from our web site. I have reposted what I believe to be his obituary from 2018 in the Star Tribune. Much thanks to Tom Arenson for noticing that the obituary was missing.
MJH 5/2019
Thomas J. Arneson
Thanks, I was under the impression that he died in his mid 50s. We use to hang out in 1952 to 54. Went fishing at Nokomis, and saw Eisenhowers motorcade on Minnehaha Parkway. Played ping pong in his basement. Lots of good times.
Thomas J. Arneson
It had to be 2008 if he died at 65.
Michael J. Harrison
Many thanks to Suzanne Abraham (Enlund) and Tom Arneson for their help in getting this obituary corrected.
MJH 06/04/2019