James Linus De Bord Johnson was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He went to his long-awaited destination “heaven,” on the evening of January 17, 2024 at age 97.

James (Jim) was born to Mildred and Andrew Johnson on June 21, 1926 in the small farming community of Marchants Grove, Saskatchewan.

James had many adventures as a young boy on the prairies as well as hard chores that needed being done on the farm. He ventured out west and attended a Boeing aircraft school at age 16. He went on to work for Boeing in Vancouver as a riveter and fuselage assembler for WWII planes. James later joined the Merchant Navy and sailed the South Pacific as a Steward, “Peggy”, as well as working on boats along the BC Coast.

In January of 1951, he met the girl of his dreams, our Mom, Grace Lydia Johnson at a church meeting. They first met in January and were married on February 13, 1951.

Seven children were born over the years: Betty-Lou, Mary- Lou, Victor, Esther, Gordon, Pauline and Clifford.

James had many talents, among them were; writing music (lyrics and melody), making jewellery (cutting, polishing and setting), and writing poetry. He played the clarinet, mandolin, harmonica and ukulele. Although he was a man with many talents, he was also a very humble man that never wanted to be in the spotlight.

He loved the Lord above all else and he and mom taught that to us kids even at a very early age. We did not have a lavish life growing up but we had what matter most. A father and mother who loved the Lord and guided us as we grew.

James was predeceased by his wife Grace, his grandson Bill, granddaughter Tammy, great grandson Andrew, great great granddaughter Lexy, Father Andrew and Mother Mildred, brothers Charlie, Frank, and Bob and sisters Nora, Charlotte and Joan.

James will always be loved and honoured in the memory of his children and their families. His children include Betty- Lou and her husband Tony, and their children Tony and Richard, Mary-Lou and her daughter, Honey, Victor and his wife Leah-Ann and their daughter Cie, Esther and her husband Ross, Gordon and his wife Yvonne and his children Tiffany, Marilyn and Jeremy, Pauline and her children Victoria and Darren, Clifford and his wife Shirley and their children Chevy and Michael. James is also survived by ten great granddaughters, five great grandsons and three great great grandsons as well as many nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 1 pm on February 3, 2024 at Grace Community Church, 12240 Harris Road in Pitt Meadows, BC.