(Jim) James John Johnson

(Jim) James John Johnson, December 25, 1932 - December 24, 2024, age 91, died at 10 pm of old age, 2 hours before his 92d birthday.

Jim was born Dec. 25, 1932, in Ogden, Utah, the son of William Henry and Jennie Louise (Child) Johnson. He was the third child of eight children. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1951.

He started working at the age of 8, selling vegetables out of his parents garden, selling newspapers in downtown Ogden, shining shoes, washing dishes, soda jerk, and farm work for 50 cents a day plus board and room. He also worked for Ogden City clearing brush for park development.

He loved sports and played football and ran the 880 in track in high school. His senior year in high school he started working for John Scoweroft Wholesale Grocers, filling orders and eventually driving delivery trucks from Ogden to Malad, Idaho.

While working at Scowerofts he was drafted in the Army, and served from Dec. 1952 to Dec. 1954. His basic training took place at Fort Ord, California. He served in the Korean conflict and was in S2 Headquarters Co. 38th Infantry Regiment 2nd Division.

Upon returning home he worked as a brick mason, working for Tysom and Millspaw. About two years later he went into business with his friend Ron Taysom, as Taysom and Johnson Brick Contractors. In 1964 he wanted more stable work to support his family. He applied at the Post Office, Hill Air Force Base as a draftsman and at Mountain Fuel Supply (Enbridge). Mountain Fuel and Hill Air Force Base both called the same day and offered him a job. Because Mountain Fuel offered $15 dollars more a month, he took that job even though it meant working in the elements and digging ditches.

He worked his way through the ranks, starting as a Utility worker. Welding took his interest, and with a lot of practice and night school at Weber State College, he was able to master all types of welding. He was then promoted to welders helper, welder and then foreman. He would often stay after work and teach others how to weld.

He was transferred to the Logan Division in 1971 and moved to Hyrum with his family. When he retired in 1991 he was General Foreman in charge of all new construction and maintenance of the distribution system in Cache, Box Elder Counties, and Franklin County, Idaho.

After retirement in 1991, he and his wife, Marlene, went to St. George and stayed the winter for two years. In 1992 they sold their home in Hyrum and had a home built in a retirement community just east of the hospital. The last year coming home for Christmas he and his wife were called on a family History Mission at the Logan Tabernacle (1994-1995). Later they both served another mission at the LDS Employment Center (2005-2006).

He served in many positions in the LDS church as Elders Quorum Secretary, in the High Priests Group Presidency and as Home Teacher.

He met his future bride at a drive-in and proposed on Thanksgiving Day 1955. On the 2nd of March 1956, he was married to Marlene Taylor in Ogden, Utah. In Sept 1993 they were sealed in the Logan Temple. They have five children- Laurie Zilles (Terry) College Ward, James Quinn (Tamara) North Logan, Michael Kevin (America) both deceased, Kenneth Thomas (Diana) St. George, Utah, and Mark T (Korin) Richmond, Utah.

He and Marlene had sixteen grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. He loved his family very much. He enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and when he retired he and his wife took up golfing and traveled to many places.

In 1993 he started a wood carving club, called The Cache Carvers, which is still going today. He carved Christmas ornaments of all sizes and golf balls. He also taught others in the club how to carve Santas. At Christmas time all the children and grand children each got to choose their favorite. Jim and Marlene's Christmas tree was always decorated with his carvings. For several years he demonstrated carving at the Festival of The American West, for scouts and at schools for his grand children.

He is survived by his wife Marlene, four children, sixteen grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and three brothers. Preceding him in death was his son Michael, his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

We would like to thank Dr. Russell N. Hirst our friend and doctor. We would also like to thank Dr. Michael Francis, Enhabit, BRAG and Bishop Josh Abrams and friends and neighbors for their continued help. 

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 12:00 pm at the Logan 43rd Ward Meeting House, 1255 N 600 E, Logan, Utah with Bishop Josh Abram conducting.  A viewing will take place before the service from 10:00 to 11:30 am at the church.  The interment along with military honors will take place at the Logan City Cemetery.