James B. “Jim” aka “Moose” Johnson, 84, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, in his home in Sebring, Florida, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born in Cleveland on March 10, 1933, to Thomas and Sunelma “Nel” (Lehtomaa) Johnson and grew up in the greater Cleveland area with his siblings.
He was a 1951 graduate of Harvey High School in Painesville. He attended Kent State where he played football before entering in the U.S. Navy in 1953, becoming an Aviation Machinist Mate. Following his service in the Navy, he graduated in 1958 from Ashland College where he was named all-league in football, and was proud to be one of the 40 Hungry Hounds. While at Ashland, he met his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Getz, of Loudonville.
Jim began his 32 years in education in Leipsic, OH, teaching history and coaching the football, basketball, and track teams. In 1962, he moved to Mansfield and began teaching at Madison High School and was assistant coach of the football team. Jim taught and coached during the 1967-1968 school year at Wooster high School, returning to Madison until his retirement in 1990.
He taught at Madison North Junior High School, was the assistant principal at Madison South Junior High School, Madison North Junior High School, and Madison High School, and the principal of Madison Comprehensive High School. He thoroughly enjoyed his job and loved to work with the staff and students. Jim often said he “never had a bad day”.
Jim had been a member of St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church since 1962. He was also a member of the Madison Lions Club and painted for Madison Painters. He spent winter months in Florida, where he was an associate member of Resurrection Lutheran Church and the Morning Lions Club. He enjoyed traveling, volunteering for Habitat for Humanities, and restoring his 1955 Chevy convertible.
Along with his wife Bonnie, he is survived by five children, Jillyn (Eric Knipp) Johnson, Bradley (Laura) Johnson, Brian (Noreen) Johnson, Joseph (Tonya) Johnson and Robert (Jessica) Johnson; seven grandchildren, Connor, Collin, Derek, Evan, Cooper, Owen, and Lily; three step-grandchildren, Cathy (Lyle) Dresbold, Kelly (Jason) Oliver, and Brittany Eater; three step-great-grandchildren, Kennedy, Lincoln, and Miles; and two siblings, Janet (Thomas) Barry and Thomas (Joan) Johnson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, June; and step-granddaughter, Brittany.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, Ohio. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, 2018, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 1262 Ashland Rd, Mansfield, with calling hours starting at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to donor’s favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com.
