James Emil (Crappie) Johnson

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Johnson, James Emil (Crappie) Died peacefully at his home on August 22, 2008 with his family by his side. Memorial service 2:00 PM Thursday, August 28 at First Lutheran Church in Sauk Centre. Visitation 1 hr prior to service. Jim was born on October 10, 1942 in Minneapolis to Florence (Frigard) and John Johnson. As a boy, his mother could always find him fishing under a bridge by his home in south Minneapolis. He learned to box with the Golden Gloves program for boys. He graduated in 1960 from Roosevelt High. Jim served in the Navy for four years (receiving special treatment because he boxed in Navy tournaments). Jim retired from the Soo Line Railroad in 1991 after working 20 years. After retirement he moved to Sauk Centre and resided on his family lot near Sauk Lake. Jim loved life, family, friends, golf and fishing. Crappie will always be remembered as a charismatic, adventurous and loving person. He will also be remembered for his compassion, his best and often given advice was "don't worry, everything will work out in the end." Jim is survived by his wife, Darlene Swank of Sauk Centre; children and grandchildren, Michael (Melissa) Johnson, Alyssa, Kailey & Kody, Andover, MN, Annie (Rick) Kuehl, Karena and Kyler, Rutland, VT; stepchildren and step-grandchildren, Ryan (Emily) Hennen, Grady & Robert, St. Paul, Jennie (Andrew) Slater, St. Paul and Dena (Max) Sutlin Seattle, WA; sister, Patricia Running of Vancouver, WA; uncle, Hank (Eileen) Frigard of Princeton, MN; beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Sullivan and John Johnson. Memorials preferred to St. Michael's Hospice of Sauk Centre.

Published on August 27, 2008