James Arthur Johnson

www.soberingfuneralchapel.comJames Arthur Johnson

September 22, 1942 - July 6, 2024

It is with great sadness that the family announces the unexpected passing of James Johnson on July 6, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife Linda of 43 years, sons Darryl (Cathy) and Derek (Chantal) and daughter Karen, his five grandchildren (Kyla, Cody, Stella, David James [DJ] and Adam) and one great granddaughter, Sapphire, his brother David (Lethbridge, AB) and sister Shirley Anderson (Winnipeg), nephew Chris Anderson and nieces Desiree Anderson and Kim (Lethbridge, AB) and their families. He will be missed as well by Linda's siblings, their spouses, and their families.

Jim was predeceased by his parents Art (1988) and Florence (1993) and brother-in-law Austin Anderson (2015) mother-in-law, Stella Rebeck, brothers-in-law Russell Rebeck, Ted Leeder, Steve Hanchuk, Jerry Bruhart and sister-in-law, Eileen Bruhart.

Born and raised in the St. James area of Winnipeg, Jim learned to skate and play hockey. As he grew older, his skills enabled him to play with the Toronto Marlies and later, the Hershey Bears in the AHL. A badly broken ankle ended his hopes for future opportunities on the ice, and he entered the regular work force. In later years, JIm coached both Darryl and Derek when they played hockey and he regularly attended Karen's ringette and hockey games. 

Jim worked as a confectionery salesman for Warner Lambert for many years before forming his own company, JAK Distributors with another former Warner Lambert colleague. The "Candy Man" as he was called in many places, thoroughly enjoyed interacting with all his customers.

Lake life was an integral part of the family's focus. They graduated from a travel trailer at Pioneer Beach to a cottage on the Lee River, enjoying activities on the water and time with friends. After retirement, Jim and Linda decided to make "the lake" their permanent residence. They moved from Winnipeg into their new home in March 2010. No longer a salesman, Jim got his "people fix" from working in the pro Shop at Black Bear Golf Course for a few years and then from the almost-daily coffee gatherings at the Legion. Friendships formed after the move to the Lac du Bonnet area added greatly to Jim's and Linda's social life. They weren't world travelers but did enjoy a few jaunts. During their years in the city, they took a trip to Hawaii when Karen and Derek were young; they cruised the eastern Caribbean with Winnipeg neighbours to celebrate their 25th anniversary; they spent a week in Puerto Vallarta and they enjoyed time in Dominican Republic with longtime friends. A few days' stop in Branson, MO was a highlight during a 2013 Tennessee-Texas road trip and sailing on the Nieuw Amsterdam to Alaska with close friends in 2019 was Jim's favourite cruise.

Jim's health declined in recent years. As the Alzheimer's advanced and his memory and reasoning failed, the simplest of tasks became difficult. Surrendering his driver's licence was the greatest loss of all.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the respite workers and all the staff at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home for the part they played in taking care of Jim. 

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall Branch #164 in Lac du Bonnet.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's memory to a charity of one's choice or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch # 164 or the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or Ronald McDonald House.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com