James B. Johnson

James B. "Jim" Johnson, 97, of Crystal Rock, died Saturday, May 6, 2023, at Admirals Point, Huron.

He was born Feb. 5, 1926, in Cranesnest, Virginia, to William and Myrtle Freeman Johnson. He enlisted in U.S. Navy in 1943 and proudly served on the LST 964 as a gunners mate until being discharged in 1946. He earned several metals while on duty, including WWII Victory, and American, Asiatic, Pacific, China Service, and Occupation Service Campaigns. He returned to Clinchco, Virginia to work for Clinchfield Coal Company until 1952 when he moved to Sandusky. He worked  several jobs in his career, including Nielsen Fish Company, Philco, Ford Motor Co., Bay Construction, Margaretta Schools, and retired from the Laborers Union.

His passion was his family, music, and Lord, Jesus Christ. In the late 50s, he and his brother, Ray, and friend, Hobe Lawson, traveled to area churches as a gospel quartet. He loved playing his guitar, piano, and harmonica, and was especially proud of his grandson Derek’s guitar playing ability. He also loved to fish and was proud to teach his grandson, Stephen, to fish too.

He was an avid baseball fan, especially Cleveland Indians and Bob Feller. He coached youth baseball in the Margaretta Recreation League and was an avid Margaretta and Ohio State fan.

Jim is survived by three daughters, Karen Johnson of Sandusky, Robin (Owen) Marey of Huron, and Lisa (Randall) Stasiak of Mesa, Arizona; two sons, James (Nancy) Johnson of Castalia and John (Lori) Johnson of Sandusky; 11 grandchildren, Stephen, Kelly, Melanie, Derek, Morgan, Jamie, Lindsay, Dana, Raquel, Alexandria, Kayla, and Korinna; 12 great-grandchildren, Asher, Miller, Jackson, Evie, Daniel, Malachi, Wyatt, Wayne, Annell, Calliope, and Sicily; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Hillman Johnson on May 5, 2017; parents: infant son, James B. Johnson Jr.; five brothers; and four sisters.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 10, 2023, and 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023, until the time of Jim's services at 11 a.m. at Ransom Funeral and Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia. The Revs. Harvey and Samuel Studer will officiate. Burial will be at Castalia Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Margaretta Township Rescue Squad, 113 South Ave., Castalia, Ohio, 44824, Back to the Wild, Box 423, Castalia, or one’s favorite charity.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransomfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James B. Johnson, please visit our floral store.