James “Jim” A. Johnson

James “Jim” Johnson, formerly of Beaver Dam, WI, passed away at age 84, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at The Willows of Cedar Communities in West Bend, WI.

Jim was born at Dorchester Hospital in Sturgeon Bay, WI, on December 16, 1941, to Allen and Lillian (Stokke) Johnson. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School in 1960. Jim married his high school sweetheart, Shirley, on October 7, 1961, and together they raised four children.

After graduation, Jim joined the United States Air Force, where he received an education in electronics and learned to repair radar equipment at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS. After completing his training, he remained at the base for three years as an instructor in radar repair. He then transferred to the remote Campion Air Force Station near the Arctic Circle in Alaska, where he maintained three radar units for one year. During his time in Alaska, he experienced the Black Friday 9.2-magnitude earthquake. From Alaska, he transferred to Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, FL, where he served four years with the Tactical Air Command, assigned to a mobile Aircraft Control Radar Group. After eight years of service, he decided not to re-enlist.

Jim spent several years in Madison, WI, repairing medical electronic equipment and traveling throughout Wisconsin and nearby states. He then accepted a position at Beaver Dam Hospital as House Services Director, supervising the maintenance, housekeeping, laundry, and linen departments. He held this position for 18 years. He later worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds at Oshkosh Correctional Institution and then Fox Lake Correctional Institution, retiring on October 7, 2008.

Jim had a passion for travel, camping, and photography. After travel became difficult, he found joy exploring the world through YouTube videos. He also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

While living in Beaver Dam, Jim was an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. After moving to West Bend, he became a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his children: Scott (Angel) Johnson of Beaver Dam; Michael Johnson of Madison; Jennifer (David) Dieterich of West Bend; and Mark (Kari) Johnson of Johnson Creek. His grandchildren include Bree (Chad Klink) Johnson of Beaver Dam; Jessica (Dan) Peters of Menasha; Melissa Johnson of Beaver Dam; Nicole (Nate Buss) Johnson of Madison; and Zack Johnson of Madison. He is also survived by his cousin and “partner in crime,” William (Donna) Thibodeau of Cassville.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Johnson; his sister, Yvonne Grapsas; his mother, Lillian Hooyman; his stepfather, Clarence “Spinner” Hooyman; and his father, Allen Johnson.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Commonheart Hospice Care and The Willows of Cedar Communities for their dedicated care and compassion.

A private service will take place at a later date for the inurnment at Bayside Cemetery in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.