J.J.” James Joseph Johnson, 81, a resident of Columbus, Indiana, passed from this life Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at his home.
J.J. was born in Washington, Indiana, September 10, 1942, one of nine children born to the late Harold E. and Dorthy Evelyn Mathews Johnson. He was the husband of Jane A. Kays Johnson to whom he was married to for 47 years from November 26, 1966, until her death May 4, 2014.
J.J. was a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran serving for four years, one month and 25 days. His last assignment was the USS Mount McKinley being honorably discharged July 25, 1966.
J.J. served the City of Columbus as a firefighter for 37 years retiring in 2001. He was also a self employed painter and he worked at Greenbelt Golf Course. J.J. lived for his number one passion in life, his relationships with family and friends. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed his membership and dear friends at Greenbelt Golf Course.
His life will be cherished by his children, Angie (Brian) Duncan of Columbus and Andy (Kristen) Johnson of Winter Park, Florida; grandchildren, Tyler (Maria) Duncan of Carmel, Indiana, Nicole Duncan currently at student at Purdue University, Brandon Duncan of Columbus, Jax Johnson of Winter Park, Florida and Landry Johnson of Winter Park, Florida; great-granddaughter, Noah Duncan of Carmel, Indiana; siblings, Barbara Atwood, Donald (Sharon) Johnson, Jerry Lee Johnson, Judy (Larry) Sullivan and Cheryl Johnson all of Washington, Indiana; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family that he loved very much. He is also survived by many friends and colleagues that were like family to him.
J.J. was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jane; and siblings and their spouses, Harold “Sonny” and Patricia Johnson, Gary and Carol Johnson and Georgia Howard.
The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Reverend Andrew Johnson will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 1 p.m. until service time Sunday at the funeral home. An honor guard will be provided by the Columbus Fire Department. Cremation will take place following the funeral service. Private inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery with full military honors by the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Unit and the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Fireman’s Cheer Fund.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Johnson family and a video tribute may be seen at barkesweaverglick.com.
