James W. Johnson, age 85, of Gladstone passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 at his home.
James was born September 26, 1934 in Gladstone, the son of Carl and Lillie (Holmberg) Johnson. He was raised in Gladstone and graduated from Gladstone High School. James was a member of the United States Army and was honorably discharged. James retired as a Drop Forge Supervisor from American Motors in Kenosha, WI. On September 17, 1960, James was united in marriage to his late wife, Nancy Coppock.
James was a gunsmith, a knife-maker, and a brewmaster and enjoyed teaching others how to brew as well. He also was an avid Green Bay Packers fan. He also enjoyed trap-shooting and was part of various trap-shooting teams. James was a loving papa, dad, and friend and he will be deeply missed by so many.
James is survived by his daughters Laura (Neil) Brisciglia of Kenosha, WI and Heather (Ronald) Zimmerman of Gladstone, sister Lillian Strom of Gladstone, grandchildren Carla (Avery) Bundgaard, Amanda Zimmerman, and Thomas, Kevin and Hannah Brisciglia. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and special friend Lynn Brockway.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillie (Holmberg) Johnson, his late wife Nancy (Coppock) Johnson, son Kevin Johnson, brother Carl (Bummy) Johnson, and his sister Joyce Norden.
The Johnson family will receive friends on Tuesday, Feb. 18th from 2 to 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visitation at 4:30 PM with Pastor Diane of Bethany Lutheran Church officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Gladstone Senior Center. The Skradski Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Johnson family.
Eric Vogelmann - Elkhorn, WI
Dear Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and Nancy were neighbors of ours in Kenosha (we lived in the brown Dutch Colonial behind them). Jim helped me brew beer and I loved their raspberry bushes. I grew up in Escanaba and had moved back about the same time Jim and Nancy moved to Gladstone. We sat across the street from their house to watch the Gladstone 4th of July parade on many occasions when our girls were little–I’m sure we have probably met. I regret that I never got to go bird hunting with Jim (grouse of course). Just wanted you to know how fond we were of Jim and Nancy and that they will be missed even though it has been a few years since we’ve seen them. God’s Blessings–Eric, Sophie and Olivia Vogelmann and Sherrie Sanville.
Pam Thorbahn - Gladstone, mi
Jim was a very nice gentleman. I met him at the senior center and my brother-in-law also went to trap shooting with him. May he rest in peace. Pam
Marianne eggert - Kenosha, Wi
So sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and Nancy were such good people. My husband and I knew them St. Paul’s Lutheran church in Kenosha. I am sure he will be missed by all his family and friends. Rest In Peace. God bless,
, Marianne Eggert
Linda (Johnson) Dittburner - Oshkosh, WI
Oh I am so sorry to hear of my cousin’s passing. Jim and Nancy were so good to me when I was a college student at Carthage College in Kenosha. They always welcomed me into their home. Many trips Jim and I took on Sunday nights to take Kevin back to school.He was not only a wonderful man but he was someone I admired as my cousin!! Much love to Laura and Heather and families. Have to work at the voting poles on Tues. Or I would have come up to be with all of you.
Joseph Renkas - Apache Junction, AZ
Jim’s Family:
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
I have many good memories of times spent with Jim and his family. Our trip to Chicago to buy brewing equipment and supplies for Jim’s start in brewing and then lunch in China Town.
Many hours spent working on guns and reloading. Trips to Gladstone to visit his parents, Marble knife Co. and deer camp.
Kevin’s many questions about Police work when I visited.
Sadly when Jim moved back to Gladstone we lost contact with each other.
Jim was a good and kindly man.
May he have peace in God’s Heavenly Kingdom and a happy reunion with departed family and friends.
Joseph Renkas