James William Johnson "Jim"

James William Johnson, "Jim," age 75 of Dayton, passed away on January 25, 2023, at ProMedica of Centerville. Jim was born on April 1, 1947, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton. He was the first-born son of Robert "Bud" and Nancy Lee (Long, Wright) Johnson.

Jim attended primary school in West Carrollton/Moraine before moving to Centerville City Schools, where he graduated from Centerville High School in the Class of 1966. He went on to the Ohio College of Applied Science in Cincinnati for 1.5 years and obtained an Industrial Degree in Industrial Drafting. He then was drafted into the United States Navy. Jim was aboard the USS Glennon DD840 for many years during the Vietnam War, having served overseas in the Middle East, Bombay India, Red Seas, Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf, as a PMS-MDCS Coordinator under the direct orders of Capt. Jones. When he was released from the ship in 1971 at Charleston Naval Base in Charleston, South Carolina, he came back home where he met the love of his life, Shirley Miller. Jim and Shirley married on June 23, 1973, at Middletown First Presbyterian Church.

Jim was a member of two fire departments (Washington Twp./Centerville and Miami Twp.) for a few years while being employed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He was in the Air Propulsion Lab and Flight Dynamics Lab for 10 years, working on the Space Shuttle landing gear, tires, and brake systems. He then moved to the 4950th Test Wing/DMMF. Jim then retired from WPAFB after 30 years of service and went on to work as a Machinist/Model Maker until his retirement in 1997.

After retirement, Jim became a school bus driver for Centerville City Schools for 10 years. He then went on to be a driver for after school sporting events at Carroll High School and Hillel Academy Jewish School until he retired again. Jim was also a member of David's United Church of Christ, serving as a trustee and council member, a member of the bell choir, and a member of Warm Wishes, cutting hats and mittens for folks for winter programs.

Jim was a member of the following: Rock Moriah Masonic Lodge #740 (now known as Far Hills Lodge #784), the Eastern Star, Prosser Chapter 367 in Middletown, and Past Patron in 1979-1980.

In his spare time, Jim also volunteered at Sycamore and Southview Hospitals. He was a HAM radio operator under his callsign KB8VVF and was very active over the years with the Miamisburg High School Band under Don Davis. They took many trips throughout the state for football games and competitions over a five-year span.

In addition to the many places he saw while in the Navy, Jim loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit many places. He and Shirley traveled to most of the US and Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. They also enjoyed their camping trips in their RV with friends Ruth and Brian Black for many years.

Jim leaves to cherish his memory his son, David (Shona); grandson, Samuel; brother, Bob (Wilma); niece, Kim (Tony) Mongomery; nephew, Matthew; sister-in-law, Betty O'Neal; niece Jennifer (Chris) Raymond; as well as many dear friends.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley of 47 years; and parents-in-law Ray and Velma Miller.

A private graveside service will take place at the convenience of the family at David's Cemetery with Nancy Byrd officiating.

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