James Edward Johnson, 83 of Lake Bluff for 41 years, March 5, 2012 at his home.Beloved husband for 59 years of Joyce Ann Johnson of Needham, MA who passed away three years ago. Father of Michael (Cathy) Johnson of Catonsville, MD, Dr. Paul (Bliss) Johnson of Kansas City, MO, Kevin (Pam) Johnson of Parker, CO, Chris (Pam) Johnson Lake Forest, IL, and Stacy (Joe) Sopcich of Overland Park, KS; Grandfather of John Jacob, Jeremy, Kathy Arteaga, Michelle Hack, Kelly, Jackie, Topher, Andy, Eli Sopich, and Kate Sopich; Brother of Richard (Bernie) of Fort Wayne, IN, Ann Henry of Norfolk, VA and the late Gus (Aline) of East Moline, IL.He served 26 years in the U.S. Navy from January 1946 until November 1970. He began his naval career at the Great Lakes Naval Training center where he attended boot camp after which he was assigned to the USS Missouri as a seaman in steam engineering. During his naval career he had 13 assignments aboard various ships and shore bases in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and in the Mediterranean Sea. He retired as a Lieutenant Commander, USN after completing a tour at Great Lakes Naval Training Center as the Director of the Propulsion Engineering School. After which he worked for the Worthington Industries where he directed repair and overhaul services for large industrial turbines, pumps and other industrial equipments. An avid wood worker he enjoyed spending many hours in his workshop in the “barn” where he built, repaired and refinished furniture and did other woodworking projects for the family and community. He served for many years as an Asst. Scout Master for his son’s Boy Scout troop. He loved the outdoors and nature and was a long time volunteer to Lake County Forest Preserves and the Open Lands Project where he assisted in habitat restoration and frog monitoring. Services and Interment are Private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Lake Forest Open Lands Assn., 272 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045 Info Wenban Funeral Home, Lake Forest, IL 847/234-0022 or www.wenbanfh.com
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