Mr. James "Jim"  Johnson, 84, of Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 1:30 PM, Wednesday, July 19 , 2017, at his home.

On August 1 , 1932, James was born in Egeland, ND.  He was the treasured son of  Axel and Lilly Haller Johnson.  Growing up as the first born he shared his childhood as one of 13 children.  Following high school, patriotism beckoned.  Jim answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Korean War.

In Argos, on April 28 , 1973, Jim married the love of his life Winette Eriks . They shared 44 years of life's adventures.  Jim was a life member of the Manitou VFW Post # 1343.  He was a member of the Leroy Shelton American Legion Post # 36  and a Golden Eagle at the local Eagles Fraternal Lodge.

A farmer from Richland Towhship, Jim oversaw a fine herd of +75 Holsteins and a daily milking operation for nearly a quarter century from 1975 - 1997.  Each spring he planted a garden of a .25 acre creating a bountiful harvest for Winette who canned and froze the produce for their families winter use.

An American outdoorsman, Jim embraced nature;  whether it was hunting deer in Indiana or  elk in Utah or Oregon.  He was a friend of domestic birds feeding and observing their habits in his front yard.  As an adventurer Jim and Winette boarded his motorcycle and headed west to Oregon.     His favorite motorcycle was his tan colored Honda Aspen Cade.

Left to cherish Jim's memory are his wife, Winette; a daughter, Joni Thiry of Rochester; five sons: Dwayne VanderWall and wife Beth of Rochester,  Jeff Johnson of Mentone, Todd VanderWall and wife Kathy of Rochester, Jerry Johnson of Warsaw, Scott VanderWall and companion Amy Burkett of Rochester; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his canine companion Abby, the Apricot miniature poodle.

Preceding Jim in death are his parents, three sisters and nine brothers.

Public graveside services for James Johnson will be at 10:00 on Monday, July 24 , 2017 at the Richland Center Cemetery with Chaplain Jason See officiating.   Military honors will be conveyed by the Fulton County Veteran's Honor Guard and the United States Army Honors Team.  Friends are invited to  gather at the Johnson Family  cabin at noon following the graveside for food, fellowship and remembering the good times shared .  Jim's family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers to the Fulton County Animal Education & Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975 or  Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation, 900 Cooper St., Jackson, MI 49202.