James Johnson Obituary

James "Jim" Alan Johnson, of Frankfort, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025, at the age of 67. A lifelong resident of Benzie County, Jim was a man of steadfast character, gentle humor, and a deep and abiding love for his family, friends, and the land he called home.
Born on August 6, 1957, Jim grew up surrounded by the rolling hills and orchards of Northern
Michigan. He was raised on the family farm, where he learned early the value of hard work, humility, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Jim carried those lessons with him throughout his life.
After graduating from Benzie Central High School in 1976-where he proudly wore the Husky colors on the football field and basketball court and danced his heart out at post-game celebrations, Jim found his calling in the world of cars. His early job at Norv Boyd Chevrolet sparked a lifelong love affair with automobiles. He could rattle off the specs and tell you the quirks of any make or model.
Jim later worked at Pet Milk and eventually became a familiar, friendly face at Shop-n-Save/Family Fare, always greeting customers with a smile and a kind word. Upon his retirement, he was honored with the SpartanNash Shining Star Award for his 30 years of dedicated service.
When he wasn't working, Jim found joy in the great outdoors. He loved deer hunting and recounting tales of his adventures. His proudest hunting tale the day he finally bagged that elusive 10-point buck-was one he told with a grin and a twinkle in his eye. Jim was also an avid snowmobiler and cross-country skier. Each spring, with eyes trained sharper than most, Jim would slip into the woods for his favorite seasonal ritual: mushroom hunting. He always seemed to know just where to look and rarely came home empty-handed.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gerald "Lewie" Johnson, and his sister, Carol Jane (Johnson) Perry. We take comfort in the thought that he is now reunited with them, sharing stories and watching over the family he loved so deeply.
Jim is survived by his devoted mother, Frances B. (Jewell) Johnson; his siblings JeriAnn (Johnson) Strickland, Eric Johnson, and John Johnson; brother-in-law Mark Perry and wife Ann; along with 25 cherished nieces and nephews who will forever remember "Uncle Jim's" steady presence and generous heart.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Frankfort United Methodist
Church, with Rev. Penny Parkin officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. and the burial will be at Gilmore Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Frankfort United Methodist Church in Jim's memory. Arrangements entrusted to Jowett Family Funeral Home, Benzonia.
Jim Johnson was a quiet soul with a big heart. His legacy is one of integrity, devotion, and simplicity - a life lived fully in the rhythms of nature, family, and community. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered for his smile, and the quiet, enduring strength of a life well lived.
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