James L. Johnson, 92, of First Street, Watsontown, passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
Born January 18, 1926 in Watsontown, he was the son of the late Warren M. and Pauline (Zettlemoyer) Johnson. On April 1, 1950, he married the former Mary M. Long and they celebrated 61 years of marriage until her passing on January 30, 2012.
He was a 1944 graduate of Watsontown High School. When he was a senior in high school he was drafted into the US Navy, he went to boot camp at Camp Perry, Virginia, before going to Auburn, Alabama, and Newport, Rhode Island. James then went to radio school in Charleston, SC, before he was positioned on AKA73 New Hanover Ship, where he toured Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific. His ship was involved in the invasion of Okinawa, Japan.
James was a member of the Watsontown Masons Lodge 401, Watsontown Lions, where he won the Melvin Jones Award and Lion of the Year Award, and a member of the American Legion Post 323, Watsontown. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church, Watsontown, and attended Watsontown Methodist Church. He was former member of the Watsontown Jaycees and the Turbotville VFW. James helped for several years with the Sauerkraut sales for the Lions Club.
He worked for Acme Markets for 41 years and worked weekends at a local paper store for 40 years. Also, he worked for the former Barr Funeral Home for 5 years.
James enjoyed his summer home along the Susquehanna River. He also enjoyed taking cruises and several trips, including several trips to Massena, NY to visit with a Navy buddy and family. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Prince.
He is survived by his two sons: Kim W. (Ruth Shearer) Johnson, of Turbotville, and James C. “Chris” (Lisa) Johnson, of Salem, VA; one daughter: Mary V. Johnson, of Watsontown; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one daughter-in-law: Diana G. Johnson, of Watsontown; and one sister: Ida Mae Betts, Watsontown.
Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his son: Kevin L. Johnson; granddaughter: Gina C. Johnson, and one daughter-in-law: Donna L. Johnson.
Family and friends are invited to call on Monday, August 27, from 6 to 8 PM at Brooks Funeral Home, 124 Main St., Watsontown and on Tuesday, August 28, from 10 to 11 AM at Watsontown United Methodist Church, 1319 Eighth Street Drive, Watsontown, where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, with Rev. Ryan Krauss, Rev. James Fladland, and Rev. Paul Smith, officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Watsontown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest contribution in his memory be made to Watsontown United Methodist Church, 1319 Eighth Street Drive, Watsontown, or First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 Main Street, Watsontown, or the Watsontown Lions, 824 Oakes Lane, Watsontown.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brooks Funeral Home & Cremation Svc PC, 124 Main St, Watsontown. http://www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com
