James Johnson
James Johnson
James William Johnson was born in Detroit and grew up on the East side, where he learned early on how to be resourceful. At a young age, Jim found a pair of skates in the attic and took a bus to Belle Isle to skate, where members of the Wolverine Sports Club encouraged him to join.
Jim was a natural athlete, playing football and baseball in high school, and later becoming an accomplished cyclist, speedskater, hiker, and adventurer.
Jim met Karen Sylvester at an ice rink and courted her – while serving two years in the Army -they married in 1956. Together they had four children, all persuaded into sports as well. He took van loads of kids to competitions, fun events, Bloomer State Park, and other venues for training and coaching.
The Johnson family spent summers traveling throughout the Midwest and Canada for bicycle races and winters attending speed skating competitions. Karen organized events while Jim coached, competed, and raced alongside his children. Jim was a lifetime member of the Wolverine Sports Club. Family vacations were athletic events, camping, fishing and fun.
Jim worked for 35 years as an electrician at Ford Motor Company before retiring and building a beautiful home on Hubbard Lake for his children and grandchildren to enjoy. He also served as the family historian, documenting countless family adventures. Jim was a World War II, genealogy and domino enthusiast. Jim’s most fun was had playing with his grandkids, and more recently his great granddaughter. He had an amazing patience and love for each one of them.
Jim pedaled his way across many miles and many maps, including two trips to Europe, and adventures through Alaska and Canada. At age 68 Jim rode his bicycle from his home in Michigan to Anchorage, Alaska, to visit his grandchildren. He loved Alaska and earned “Sourdough” status in the eyes of many. Around campfires, he was known for reciting The Shooting of Dan McGrew and The Cremation of Sam McGee by Robert Service.
Jim was dedicated to physical fitness. Despite his health challenges, he took a two-mile hike on a wooded trail everyday. The kids were never able to take away his car keys or chainsaw. Jim died peacefully, with his family present, at the age of 90. Jim leaves behind his children Lisa (Raymond Epskamp), Michael (Julie), Amy (Mike Fitzpatrick) and Kevin, grand kids, Elijah, Clair, Quin and Anton and great granddaughter Harlow June.
Thanks go to Hospice of Michigan Alpena for their excellent care. There will be a Celebration of Jim’s Life this summer. In the meantime, take a walk in nature, hug one another, and support your local Salvation Army. McWilliams Funeral Home has assisted the family.