James Leon Johnson

Jan. 27, 1950 — Dec. 11, 2020

James Leon Johnson, 70 years of age, passed unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Adventist Health in Sonora, California.

Jim, as he was called by his friends, was born Jan. 27, 1950, in Turlock, California, to the late James and Vivian Johnson. He was the youngest of two children. Jim was educated in the Turlock Unified School System.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, in 1969. During their 51 years of marriage, they had two children and three grandchildren. Jim worked in various positions for the Pacific Gas and Electric Company. This led to numerous adventures and various moves around Northern California. He retired after 35 years of service and moved to Sonora 16 years ago. He loved working in the communities he lived in and cherished the many friends he made there. Serving on several volunteer committees, he always enjoyed helping others. He has served as the past president of Benicia Rotary, various youth sports, Jaycees, Elks Lodge, and worked with the local SIRS.

His most cherished role in life was being a grandfather. Always the practical joker, he taught his grandchildren the gift of laughter. They affectionately called him, “Papa,” and loved spending time with him.

Jim leaves, to cherish his loving memory, two children, Jenifer and Tyke; their spouses, Greg and Christie; three grandchildren, Bailey, Zachary, and Brady; and a host of nieces, nephews, inlaws, cousins, and friends.