James Johnson Obituary

James "Jimmy" Johnson

James "Jimmy" Johnson, 89, passed away Wednesday morning, Nov. 23, 2022.

He was born in Fostoria to Andrew and Mary (White) Johnson. Jimmy was the fourth youngest of 11 children, Nathaniel Johnson, Jack "JC" (Grace) Johnson, John "JD" (Shirley) Johnson, Bill "Lot" Johnson of California, Louise Johnson of California, Dorothy (Charles) Lyburtus of Fostoria, Ralph (Ethel) Johnson of Fostoria, Jesse Johnson of Fostoria, and twins Melvin (Candis) Johnson of Arizona, and Mildred Ramsey of Fostoria.

His parents and all of his siblings preceded him in death with the exception of one surviving brother, Melvin.

He married Sandra E (Banks) Johnson in Sept., 1957, and she survives in Fostoria. This union bore four children, Carla D. Johnson of Fostoria, Sonia D. Johnson of Columbus, Ohio, Darryl A. Johnson, and Jamie A. (Suprena) Johnson of Fostoria, parents of Jaylen A. Johnson of Fostoria and Darryl A. Johnson of Cincinnati, OH. Of the immediate family, preceding him in death were his beloved daughter, Carla, and Darryl, their infant son.

Jimmy was a 1953 graduate of Fostoria High School. He was very athletic and enjoyed sports. In 2011, he was presented with a Hall of Fame plaque as acknowledgement for scoring the first touchdown at the newly built Fostoria Redmen stadium. He enjoyed watching his favorite teams on television and looked forward to the times he could actually see a live game.

He was enlisted in U.S. Army and after discharge, spent some time playing on a Chicago White Sox farm team. He worked at Fostoria Foundry Chrysler Corporation for many years until retirement. He often jokingly stated, he was put to work much harder after retirement than he did while working.

Jimmy was a proud man and very proud of his family. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, keeping up with maintenance, repairs, and improvements around the house. He found pleasure in keeping his yard well manicured and extended his grass cutting services to several others around town along with his grandson, Jaylen. A spring and summer season rarely got by without the outdoor planters at his home being filled with colorful plants and flowers. He had a love for automobiles and took pride in all of those he owned. It was important to him they remained in good running condition, and most importantly, that they were kept clean.

Jimmy was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and actively participated in ministry work while he was able.

Jimmy never met a stranger and had an infectious laugh. He was a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, husband, confidant, neighbor, and friend. He was loved much and will be deeply missed by many.

The Johnson family extends its heartfelt appreciation to those in the medical and health care fields for their genuine care, time, and attention given to Jimmy, including the staff at Fostoria Dialysis Center, Heartland Home Healthcare, and Grant Medical Hospital and its vascular team. Special thanks also goes out to family and friends who assisted in transportation, hot meals, visits, and those who sent well wishes of encouragement in support of caring for Jim's needs.

A private service will take place for family at Fountain Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy, fond memories, or photos, are welcomed by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.

Mann-Hare-Hoening Funeral Home, Fostoria, has been entrusted with arrangements.