James Johnson

James "Jim" Edward Johnson, Sr., 83, of Clever, Missouri departed this earthly life, leaving behind his dear wife of 39 years, Pat, and his loving family, on Monday, April 10, 2017. Jim passed while in hospice care at Century Pines Assisted Living, Ozark, Missouri. Jim was born September 1, 1933 in Hartsel, Colorado to Everett "Oscar" Johnson and Sylvia (Pickering) Johnson. He spent his early childhood in Colorado, then in 1942 moved with the family to a farmstead near South Greenfield, Missouri, where he grew to adulthood. He was one of five siblings. His parents, his three brothers, Martin Johnson, Olin Johnson, and Francis Johnson, and his nephew, Michael Adams, preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy (Johnson) Adams and brother-in-law Francis of South Greenfield, her son Gary Adams and his wife Tammy of South Greenfield, and Dorothy's grandson, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter. In 1951, Jim moved to Wichita, Kansas and took-up employment on the manufacturing line at Beech Aircraft. In short order, he was drafted into the U.S. Army as an airplane mechanic, serving active duty from 1953 to 1955 at Fort Monroe, Virginia. Some of his fondest memories were of his Army experiences, where he had developed a reputation with the pilots for being a top-notch mechanic and was given numerous opportunities to accompany them on flights as far away as Alaska and Mexico. After discharge, he returned to Wichita, where he first worked briefly for Boeing, then moved to Cessna Aircraft, where he specialized in precision welding. Soon after his return to Wichita, Jim met Linda Heard and they married on August 13, 1956. Linda survives Jim and lives in Derby, Kansas. Jim's first son, James Johnson, Jr. of Nixa, Missouri preceded him in death, but he is survived by his daughter-in-law, Kathy of Springfield, Missouri and their three daughters, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his second son, Mark Johnson and his wife Patricia of Houston, Texas, and their two sons; his daughter Christa (Johnson) Pizzuti of Wichita, and her daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren; and his step-daughter, Jodie (Johnson) Andrade and her husband Oscar of Wichita, and their four children and three grandchildren. After 20 years with Cessna, Jim retired from aircraft manufacturing to return to his roots in Missouri. He lived briefly in Springfield before moving to a farmstead near Clever, Missouri where he raised cattle, chickens, and goats. He lived on the farm and commuted to work in Springfield. His second career was with the Paul Mueller Company, where he specialized in precision welding in the manufacture of large stainless steel tanks. He worked for Paul Mueller Company for 20 years until his retirement in 1998. Soon after his return to Missouri, Jim met Patricia "Pat" (Tilley) Routh and they married on April 7, 1978. Pat survives Jim and continues to live on the Clever farm. He is also survived by his daughter, Sarita (Johnson) Burk and her husband Michael of Marionville, Missouri. In addition, he is survived by step-daughter Lekea (Routh) Durr of Springfield, and her three children and five grandchildren; and by step-daughter Genea (Routh) Carson of Springfield, and her four children and granddaughter. Jim was a devoutly religious man. He liked to tend his farm, work on cars, tell stories, barter, play guitar, and square dance. He liked the simple country life. He will be greatly missed. No formal visitation is scheduled and a memorial service will be held at a later date.