James W. Johnson

James W. Johnson, 70, of Custer City, passed away Monday, December 28, 2020 at UPMC Hamot, in the company of his wife and children.

Born February 5, 1950 in Imboden Arkansas, he was a son of the late Evelyn (Thorne) Thorne and James W. Johnson.

As a child, he moved to Bradford, where he resided the rest of his life. He graduated from Bradford Area High School in 1968, then attended Temple University in Philadelphia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English in 1972. He then earned a Master’s degree in Education at St. Bonaventure University in 1976.

On August 11, 1973 in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, he married Judy (Prekope) Johnson who survives.

Jim taught science for one year at Bradford Central Christian High School, before starting his career at the Kinzua Dam, for the Army Corp of Engineers, where he worked as a maintenance leader and safety officer until retirement in 2004. During this same time, he also worked as a manager for the McKean County Conservation District.

James volunteered as a scout leader for Boy Scouts of America Troop #495 from 1985 until 1998.

Following retirement, Jim went back into teaching science and technology at Fretz Middle School and Beacon Light until 2017. He also served as Principal of the Bradford Area Christian Academy in 2018.

Surviving is his wife, Judy of 47 years, is one son, James (Jeanne) Dauray, of Round Lake IL ,  one daughter Jennifer (Samar) Nashagh of Tampa FL, three grandchildren, Patrick Dauray, Carter and Reagan Nashagh, two sisters Ruth (John) Kline and Linda (Joseph) Bishop, all of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews.

Services are private at the convenience of family in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc., with Father Vincent Cieslewicz pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church in Smethport, officiating.

To view the livestream for this service visit, www.hollenbeckcahill.com at 10:00am Wednesday December 30, 2020 at 10:00 am

Memorial contributions if desired may be made the SPCA or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral arraignments are under the direction of Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

Judy i''m so sorry for your loss, I just heard today about Jims passing. thoughts and prayers.
— Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Giordano

I am so sorry to hear of Jim''s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless You All!
— Paula Giordano-Louk

So sorry to hear of Jim''s passing.....many fond memories of our cub scout years together....
— Calvin Abbott

Judy and family I was so sorry to hear about Jim''s passing. You are all in my prayers and hope you keep all the fun and loving memories close to keep him with you always.
— Barb Burgess

Dear Judy, James and Jennifer My deepest heartfelt sympathies on your loss. Lew
— Lew Zande

So sorry for your loss Judy my thoughts are with you at this time
— Patricia Higgs

We extend our deepest sympathy for Jim’s passing. He will be remembered as a great guy with an infectious smile!
— Judy and Tim Zetts

So very sorry for your loss Judy....Bill and I am praying for comfort for you and your family??
— Jeanne Lowe

So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
— Carol Zeigler

So sorry for your loss, I enjoyed my talks with Jim when he was at Bradford Christian School.
— Tom Leposa

Prayers to Jim''s family. He was a good person and friend. He would help you out anytime you needed it. He was a good scout leader. Funny and happy person. R.I.P
— Mark and Cheryl

Worked with Jim at Beacon Light, such a smart and talented guy! He always had fun projects for the kids. He introduced me to probably one of my favorite movies. So sorry for your loss.
— Tifany Hansen-Parry

I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was an amazing person and an example of how to care for others over yourself. His selflessness was on full display not only in his work life, but also in the things he did everyday. I''ll never forget the time he stopped me as I was riding my mountain bike past his house on the way to my Grandmother''s house. He had only met me once before that time, but remembered me. He checked my bike over and filled my tires to the proper PSI just to make sure I had a safe ride. It was his caring for people that should inspire others to reach out and volunteer your talents. Especially during this time when so many of us are in need of the help of others. May God bless your family and bring you comfort in this difficult time.
— Ryan Z.

Sam and Jenny, I am so very sorry for this incredible loss. We are here if you need anything. Much love to the family.
— Teresa Moran

Condolences

  • Judy i''m so sorry for your loss, I just heard today about Jims passing. thoughts and prayers.

    — Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Giordano
  • I am so sorry to hear of Jim''s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless You All!

    — Paula Giordano-Louk
  • So sorry to hear of Jim''s passing.....many fond memories of our cub scout years together....

    — Calvin Abbott
  • Judy and family I was so sorry to hear about Jim''s passing. You are all in my prayers and hope you keep all the fun and loving memories close to keep him with you always.

    — Barb Burgess
  • Dear Judy, James and Jennifer My deepest heartfelt sympathies on your loss. Lew

    — Lew Zande