H.J. "Jim" Johnson was born April 4, 1925 in Mattoon, IL, the third child to Clara Jane (Reed) and Otto Johnson. He attended Mattoon High School. Immediately after graduation, he went into the US Navy to serve in WWII in the Pacific theater. He married Edna on December 20, 1975, in Phoenix, AZ. Jim spent the majority of his career as chief engineer at Heileman Brewing Company in Phoenix, AZ. He always had an "easy weekend project" where he was building or fixing something. Jim enjoyed reading, attending air shows, car races and loved working in his shop. He built two airplanes and rebuilt many cars.

Jim is survived by his wife, Edna, and daughter Diane L. Johnson, both of Strafford. Son David J. Johnson, wife Missie, of Springfield. Four grandchildren, Michaela D. Johnson, Malaki N. Johnson, Carson D. Fletcher and Dakota James Johnson. Also surviving is one brother, Kenneth Johnson, wife Helen, of Mattoon, IL, and a sister, Shirley Stremming of Strausburg, IL, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by both parents, sisters Lula Aleshire, Viola Myers and Ester Mae Mulvaney, all of Mattoon, IL.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Christ Episcopal Church.