James “Jimmy” Johnson
Age 78, passed away April 3, 2021. He was born November 21, 1942, in Kalamazoo. Jimmy retired from GM and Dean Transportation. He is in the Bowling Hall of Fame, and was involved in too many organizations to list.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen; second wife, Julie; and brothers, John and William. Surviving are: children, Debbie, Laura (Roy), and Jimmy; step-daughter, Stacy Kenny; grandchildren, Branden and Ashleigh; great-grandchildren, Aaliyah, Branden and Amelia; brothers, Tom (Pat) and Sam (Sue); and special friend, Dianne Hatt, in addition to several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be private. His family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2021. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com.
15 Messages to “James “Jimmy” Johnson”
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Deanna Henry
April 5, 2021 at 5:39 pmThank you for always being there for me and my family. You had such a full life and so much love to give.
Roger S Small
April 6, 2021 at 7:20 amA kinder man I have never met. Jimmy and I were elected to the Bowling Hall of Fame the same year. We connected that day and have been friends ever since. R.I.P. Jimmy, you will be missed.
lanny Lake
April 6, 2021 at 10:40 amSorry I Couldn’t be there. You will be missed at coffee my friend.
Matushka Mary, Steve and Denise
April 6, 2021 at 12:16 pmWe will miss our coffee hour buddy. Memory Eternal.
Carol Bappert
April 6, 2021 at 4:09 pmJimmie was a wonderful person. He was always helping others.
Kierin Kerbawy
April 6, 2021 at 8:06 pmTo The Johnson Family: My name is: Kierin Kerbawy, I am one of, Jimmy’s bowlers from the Kiwanis Club of Holt from the Special Needs Bowling Leaque. I have memories of, Jimmy driving the Dean Transportation bus to a bowling tournament in Northville, Michigan- many, many years ago. Jimmy attended a bowling alley at City Limits in East Lansing, Michigan- where my friends and I bowled at many, many years ago. We had a picture taken with him there at the bowling alley at City Limits in East Lansing, Michigan. I will be praying for your whole family. I loved, Jimmy so much. I will miss him dearly.
Felice Ranshaw
April 6, 2021 at 11:39 pmUncle Jim you were such a big part of my early childhood years. So many wonderful memories with you and Aunt Karen. I can’t be there to say a final goodbye but know that you will always live forever in my heart.
The James and Carol Stiles family.
April 7, 2021 at 2:35 pmSorry to here about Jim, we’ve enjoyed his company since we were little. He never stopped moving and keeping busy always helping others.
The James and Carol Stiles family.
April 7, 2021 at 2:38 pmJames and Mary Carol Stiles Family, Kathy, David, Shareef and Kamil. Bowling Boblo and Tigers games and lots of coffee visits! We will miss him.
Ryan and Judy Flintoff
April 7, 2021 at 3:42 pmAs a member of the Kiwanis Special Bowling League for 25 years, I have known Jim for a long time. I always called him James and he didn’t seem to mind! He will be missed so much. Jim was always kind and helpful to me and all the Kiwanis Special Bowlers. He always made sure to give me the league statistics sheet because he knew how important scores and rankings were to me. And he was proud of us when we got a strike or even just a spare. As busy as he was on bowling mornings fixing scoring mistakes and lane problems, he always made a point to sit down and talk with my mom. I am sad that he is gone, but have nice memories of a really friendly, helpful and good guy. My mom, Judy, also sends her condolences to Debbie and the Johnson family. Rest in peace, James!
Jose Godines Jr
April 8, 2021 at 12:02 amThis is a tough one. Jimmy was an amazing person. I was blessed to meet him through bowling. Jimmy would do things for people that he didn’t have to. He was so kind and generous. He is missed. I know one day we will all be in Heaven together, in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Prayers to the family for Heavenly strength, comfort and peace.
Joanne Fuson
April 8, 2021 at 9:30 amJimmy, I will miss you the best cousin a girl could ask for. We had so many wonderful memories and long talks. You were always there for me.Keeping your brothers and family in my prayers. Rest in peace.Love your cousin Joanne
Marius Iancio
April 8, 2021 at 10:03 amRest in peace! Memory eternal! Condolences and prayers to family and friends!
Joe,Marilyn and little Joe Mannino
April 9, 2021 at 7:14 amOur son,Joe, was on the Kiwanis Special bowling team. Jimmy made everyone feel welcome and valued. He was such a humble, kind and thoughtful man. Jimmy was such a great example of Jesus’ serving spirit. He was always busy helping others and fixing problems and making sure the bowlers got to the tournaments on the bus. I was in awe when I saw his Hall of Fame plaque. This was an accomplished yet humble man who loved life.
We are saddened by his passing but know that he is now an angel making Heaven a better place.
Michael Schreiner
April 18, 2021 at 10:34 pmOh my Lord, I had no idea. We were best buddies, bowled together for years and spent many lunches together. Love you man. How very sad. Sorry I wasn’t aware Laura…..