SHERBURNE – James E. Johnson, Sr., 69, a resident of Sherburne for the last four years, passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning, Feb. 6, 2008 in the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Born in Norwich in June of 1938, Jim was the son of Claude F. and Helen (Maine) Johnson. He attended school in Sherburne, quitting early to serve his country in the United States Army from 1956-1958. On Dec. 19,1959, in Oxford, he married Claudia Munyan. Jim was a dedicated volunteer firefighter, having served over 27 years in the Plymouth, Guilford, and Fayetteville companies. He had worked as a tree surgeon for Asplundh Tree Service, Reese’s Tree Company, and Dumack Forestry, and was an auto mechanic at several different garages over the years. Jim was a “Gordon fanatic” while watching NASCAR on the television. An avid hunter, fisherman, and camper, he had recently invested in a camper unit with plans to drive to Florida. During his younger years, he had driven stock cars at the Morris track, and enjoyed watching his sons following in his footsteps when they, too, drove in races. An outgoing and friendly man who could talk with anyone about anything, Jim was also known to have a stubborn streak on occasion.
Jim is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Claudia Johnson of Sherburne; by his children and their spouses: James and Sherry Johnson Jr. of Edmeston, Scott and Mary Johnson of Norwich, Penny Stagaman and companion Bruce Rifanburg of Sherburne, Terry and Denise Johnson of Earlville, Wayne and Diana Johnson of Sherburne, Wendy Johnson of Norwich, Ginger and Richard Himko of Bainbridge, Rusty and Melisa Johnson of Smyrna, and Vicky and Robert Bennett of Ocala, Fla.; by 27 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Betty Seeber of Arkansas, Lucy Johnson of Oxford, Claudine and Henry Parker of Arkansas, Sally and Robert Rothwell of Plymouth, Marjorie Parker of Earlville, Linda and William Excell Jr. of Earlville, and Claudia Gesslein of Sherburne; by his brothers and their wives: Clyde “Ike” and Rosalie Johnson of North Norwich, William and Catherine Johnson of Sherburne, and Richard and Margaret Johnson of Florida; and by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his sister Sandy.
Funeral services for Jim will be held at 1 p.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Jeremy Stopford of Norwich will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Sherburne West Hill Cemetery. Friends were invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Dept., Plymouth. NY 13832.