James "Jim" Johnson

James “Jim” Johnson, 88 died peacefully on April 11 at his home in Bourbonnais, Illinois Jim is survived by his children; Bill (Linda) and Bob (Lesa) of Bourbonnais, IL and Kathleen (Dave) of Iowa City, IA, their 4 grandchildren; Christopher (Samantha), Ashley, Alexander and Nicholas and 2 great-grandchildren; James and Isabella. He was preceded in death by his wife “Sue” in 2021 after 58 years of marriage. Jim was born in 1937 in North Minneapolis, MN. He served 2 years in the United States Navy, graduated from the University of Minnesota and had a 30-year career with the US Census Bureau. That career took him from Minneapolis to Washington DC, Boston and Chicago. Upon his retirement he and Sue moved to Buffalo, MN where they participated in the Maple Lake Community Theater, Bethlehem UCC and Wright County Master Gardners. Jim’s retirement job was with Dan & Jerry’s and Tatanka Garden Centers where “Garden Center Jim” was a fixture for many years before moving to Illinois. Jim loved fishing, gardening, birdwatching and being outside. He always made it a point to learn everybody’s name and say hello whenever their paths crossed. He was a resident of Arbor Grove and could be seen walking around the lake every day or multiple times in a day when his health permitted. Through the help of some wonderful caregivers, he was able to remain in his own home in Arbor Grove until his passing. Cremation services provided by Jensen Funeral Home in Kankakee, IL. No public services are planned.