James Johnson

James “Jim” Lavern Johnson, 87, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2017 at Manor Care, Springfield, Missouri from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim was born August 30, 1930 in rural Island City, Missouri to Sammie and Mary (Smith) Johnson. After serving in the US Army and the Korean War, he married Beatrice Elizabeth (Betty) Mullen in Wichita, Kansas on September 18, 1955. Jim worked for Boeing for several years before moving his family to Kansas City to work at TWA as a mechanic until his retirement in 1986. Even after retirement, Jim continued working and doing odd jobs to keep busy. Jim and Betty later retired to Hermitage and Bolivar, Missouri. He kept an exceptional garden and loved the water; he enjoyed taking friends and family out for boating and water skiing and often said that his boat floated best on Pomme de Terre Lake.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty; son David (Linda) Johnson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughter Deanna (Jeff) Doty of Bolivar, Missouri; grandchildren Shellie (Cody) Howard, Valerie (Ryan) Sampica, Amanda Doty and Sean Doty; great grandchildren Kayla, Skyler, David and Esther. He is also survived by siblings Dene (Lilly) Johnson, Ralph (Mary Alice) Johnson, Lois Hawkins, Ann Jones, Virgil (Jane) Johnson and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Lloyd and sister Doris.

Terrace Park Funeral Home in Kansas City is assisting the family; the family will host a celebration of life with military honors at a later date. Donations can be made in Jim's name to Alzheimer's Association or Phoenix Hospice in Springfield, Missouri. Share Memories & Messages at www.TerraceParkFuneral.com