James Johnson

1937 -- 2023

James Kemp Johnson, 85, passed away March 16, 2023, in Ogden, Utah. He was born in Hillsboro, Texas to Joe W. and Esber Nancy Kemp Johnson on March 31, 1937. He married Judith I. Arlofski (his beloved Bert) in St. Joseph Church, Ogden, Utah.

James was a delightful child and brought joy to his family by always celebrating holidays with great gusto. One year for Christmas he hand-crafted a make-believe fireplace to hang stockings on. This was one of his sister's fondest memories. He loved being a part of his high school football team and rooted for the Dallas Cowboys throughout his life. James lived in Hillsboro until the age of 18 and then moved to Dallas, Texas where he worked as a plumber in his uncle's business. He enrolled in college, but the long commute coupled with work proved to be too much, and eventually he enrolled in the Air Force.

James served five years in the U.S. Air Force and 30 years in the Federal Civil Service as a radar evaluator. This position took him to many mountain tops all over the world. At times he described his work as terrible due to working in sub-zero weather, harsh climates, and remote locations. He loved studying maps and recalling his travel adventures.

Throughout his life, James was known for giving to others. He took on lost souls, both human and canine, and cared for them all until the bitter end. He loved working on projects and tinkering in his garage. He kept chore lists not only for his own house, but for his daughter's homes as well. He was a master organizer! He deeply loved his grandchildren, and in his retirement, he cared for them by serving as taxi driver, chef, and cheerleader for all of their interests. He lived a life of service and encouraged his daughters to do the same. He and his wife Judy raised three girls who all had careers of service in their communities. James served as an usher at St. Joseph Church for most of his retired years.

James is survived by his wife Judith, three daughters, Paige M. Johnson (Chuck Lee), Brooke M. Zamora (Joel Zamora), Brandi Jo Bosworth (Joe Czop); and six wonderful grandchildren, Derek (Karissa), Casey, Josh, Lily, Bo and Maddie (Josh); and three great-grandchildren, Izaiah, Mila, and Monroe. Also surviving is one sister, Hannah Louise Pendleton, of Nashville, TN and nephew Jerry Johnson who was much like a brother to him. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joe W. and Thomas, grandson Michael, and son-in-law Daniel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 23rd at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 514 24th Street, Ogden, Utah, with interment at Ogden City Cemetery after mass.

In lieu of flowers please do a kind act for another person or make a donation to St. Joseph's Catholic Church or the Ogden Nature Center at https://www.ogdennaturecenter.org or call Sabrina at 801-621-7595.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com.