James “Jim” E. Johnson, age 90, of Tomahawk, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022, at his home under the care of his family and Compassus Hospice. Jim was born in Tomahawk on Aug. 8, 1932, to the late Roy and Mary (Hamilton) Johnson. He was married to Marilyn “Oddie” Kiser on Sept. 7, 1957; she preceded him in death in 1984. He was later married to JoAnn Lischka on Feb. 23, 1985; she survives.
Jim grew up in the Tomahawk area, where he held a close bond with his siblings, often telling stories and reminiscing of their younger years. He was a 1950 graduate of the Tomahawk High School. After graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army and the Merchant Marines. Jim returned to Wisconsin where he and his brother, Billy, worked together as loggers in Mercer, Wis., and later as a steeplejack in Milwaukee, Wis. Jim and Billy went on to start the successful construction company, Johnson Brothers, which they operated from 1969 to 1985. Jim later worked at Southside Welding and Sandblasting. Jim and JoAnn were the former owners of the Edgewater Country Club, where they, and their children, all worked as a family, retiring after 10 years. Jim was a true outdoorsman who loved hunting. He was a talented artist who loved to create and could make just about anything. He was well-loved for being a kind, honest man with a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit, who loved playing practical jokes on his family and friends. Above all, Jim was a devoted family man who cherished time spent with his family and adored his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife of over 36 years, JoAnn Johnson; his daughters, Kathy (Tom) Bronsted, Jamie (Tye) Gribb, Nadine (Bob) Imm, and Shauna (Keith) Bishop; his sons, Mark Johnson and Calvin (Shelley) Turner; and his brother, Richard (Marylin) Johnson. Jim is further survived by 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mary; his first wife, Oddie; his grandson, Fletcher Imm; and his brother, Billy Johnson.
Memorial services for James Johnson will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, at 12 p.m. Rev. Louis Maram Reddy and Deacon David Bablick will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 12 p.m. A celebration of life gathering will follow at the Johnson residence. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Jim’s obituary and leave online condolences at www.generationsfuneral.com.