Jim Johnson

May 7, 1930 - January 22, 2023

LA JOLLA, CA —

Jim Johnson passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family in his La Jolla home at the age of 92.

Born in Santa Barbara in 1930 to parents Walter and Olive (Hiller) Johnson. He was one of five children and grew up in what he described as an idyllic childhood.

Jim was activated from the National Guard into the Army in 1950 for the Korean War. After being discharged, he finished his education at San Diego State. It was here he met and fell in love with Florence Fox of Pacific Beach. Shortly after graduation, they were married, and later adopted five children and raised them in La Jolla. Their house was often filled with music and was the center of activity for both the kids and their friends as well as extended family.

Jim pursued a career in retail management, working for Longs Drug Store for over 40 years, where he was respected and loved by his colleagues. Florence had a career in education and was the founding principal of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts where she worked until she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Jim retired in 1996 to care for Florence during the last year of her life.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family, playing tennis, skiing, woodworking and doing crossword puzzles. He was a lifelong supporter of SDSU Aztec Football and Padres baseball.

Jim was lucky in love twice. He met Kathy through a mutual friend and they hit it off immediately. They were married on the beach in Santa Barbara, one of their favorite places to spend time. They spent nearly 24 loving years together.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Florence, son Jim (JJ), sister June, brothers Bill, Dan and Ron. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter Lynn (Jeffrey), and sons Chris (Hillary), Garett (Marissa) and Gary, grandchildren Natasha, Jesse, Tyler, Mikaela, Jace, Zane, Gary Jr, sister-in-laws, Alyce Fox and Mary Johnson and brother-in-law, John Roszell.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 25th at 2PM at Torrey Pines Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts.

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