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