James "Jim" Alvin Johnson

James Alvin Johnson passed on Tuesday, October 27, 2020. Born on January 9, 1931 to Charles and Clara Johnson originally of Red Bush, Kentucky, Jim spent his early years outside of Hillsboro, Ohio later moving to Fairborn, Ohio where he graduated high school in 1949.

Jim married Nancy Brabant Owen on May 11, 1991 at Faith Presbyterian Church in Morehead, Kentucky. In addition to his wife Nancy, Jim is survived by his children, Penelope Johnson Miller (Mike Lehn), Amanda Johnson Koci (David), Samuel Johnson (Erika), Peter Johnson, and Kathleen Owen Richardson. His grandchildren include Samantha Johnson-Miller, Patrick Miller, Emily Roberts Scearce (Tony), Rachael Roberts Mullins (Andy), Allyson Koci, Charles Johnson, and Olivia Richardson. Great-grandchildren are Braydon Scearce, Jamison Sweeney, Wesson Scearce, Violet Baker, Daisy Baker, Colt Baker, and Ethan Mullins. Jim’s brother Roger Johnson (Carol) of Newton, Massachusetts, and sisters Frances Johnson Hinshaw of Deleware, Ohio, and Kathryn Johnson Bandura of Niceville, Florida. Coming from a family of ten children, there are a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Kenneth and Helen Johnson, Oswald and Betty Johnson, Glen and Genevieve Johnson Ludwick, William and Roberta Johnson, Charles and Betty Johnson, Carolyn Johnson Mullins, and brothers-in-law John Bandura and Lester Hinshaw. Also, several nieces and nephews preceded his passing.

Jim loved people, life and his family. He lived his life with a positive outlook and a ready laugh. Throughout his life, Jim sang. He sang at WWII war bond rallies when he was a small boy. He was in church choirs and in the band playing trombone. In high school he was part of a Barbershop Quartet that led to many radio and other engagements as well as lifelong friendships with the quartet members. They continued to sing together any opportunity they had up into their 80s.When he decided he wanted a college degree from Ohio State University, it didn’t bother him that it took nearly ten years to achieve it. Working a quarter for tuition money and then going to school for a quarter became quite routine. He made sure that college time included becoming a member of Delta Tau Delta with many life-long friendships formed. Yet, when he finally graduated from OSU, he went to work with the company he had worked for when in high school — Southwestern Cement of Fairborn, Ohio. He worked in sales and loved it. His career allowed him to be active in construction of all types, masonry, highway engineering, numerous community and civic organizations and to spend many hours on the golf course. He was an avid golfer until a few years before his passing and was a charter member of StoneCrest Golf Course in Prestonsburg. Jim’s church was always an important part of his life as well. He and Nancy were members of Westminster Presbyterian in Xenia, Ohio and First Presbyterian of Prestonsburg, Kentucky during their marriage. He served as a deacon and was always ready to lend a hand wherever needed.

Following cremation, a service of remembrance will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be given to First Presbyterian Church of Prestonsburg or Big Sandy Community and Technical College Scholarship fund.

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