James “Jim” Willard Johnson was born May 29, 1939 and passed away on Nov. 14, 2022.
Jim leaves behind his best friend, teammate, devoted, loving wife of 61 years Elizabeth (Betty), a wonderful partnership full of love and forever memories shared with long friendships and family. Father to Cynthia (Don), Robert (Lisa). Grandfather to Andy (Megan), Kim ( Josh), Greg (Kim) and Bjorn. Great-grandfather to Brantly, Maggie, Alexandra and Ares. Also survived by sisters Lois (Francis), Kay, predeceased Karen (Ed), Cheryl and brother Frank.
Jim spent his early childhood in Loveland, Colo. His family moved to California in the 1950s. He attended U.S. Grant Grammar School and graduated Lowell High School in 1958. During high school Jim participated in ROTC and was enrolled as an Army reservist under the Armed Forces Reserve Act of 1955.
After high school, he attended San Francisco State and basic training at Fort Ord, after which he was accepted to Officers Candidate School followed by Rotary Wing Aviator School, graduating in 1961 with his Aviator Wings and Warrant Officer appointment.
Jim returned to San Francisco in 1961. He was employed by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Company for four years, advancing from frameman to central office equipment man.
Jim also worked part time as a pilot and flight instructor for Commodore Helicopters. In 1965, he worked there fulltime as a chief pilot, office manager and flight instructor. He did charter work and was a traffic reporter transport for KGO Radio.
From 1966 to 1976, Jim worked at SFO Helicopter Airlines Inc. Advancing from co-pilot to captain including office work. He was responsible for safety and lives of passengers, crew and cargo. He was selected as one of four pilots for external load construction work throughout the United States. His experience included, but was not limited to, logging, powerline construction, high altitude lift construction in California and Colorado; ship resupply off the coast California and abandoned automobile reclamation for the California Highway Patrol. He also flew over grape crops during frosty nights to keep temperature up. Unfortunately, SFO Airlines closed business due to a mechanics strike in 1976.
Jim found another career at the Chevron Refinery in Richmond where he was employed until he retired in 1998. He began his career as an operator trainee and advanced over the years to supervisor in charge of crews in various areas of the refinery.
Jim didn’t pursue a further flying position because as a child he changed schools 35 times before moving to California. He didn’t want his children to be uprooted during important times of their schooling and childhood.
For more than 20 years, Jim continued with the Army Reserves — stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco. His responsibilities included medic support for Letterman Hospital, transport of veterans returning from Vietnam up to Travis Military Base and search and rescue within the Sierra and coastal mountain ranges. He also coordinated operations and maintenance needs, VIP transportation, training and maintaining flight proficiency.
After raising their children, they moved from the SF Bay Area to Mariposa to retire. During their life together they spent some spare time supporting others and practicing random acts of kindness. Retirement didn’t change that. They both enjoyed supporting their new community. Jim served on the Mariposa Airport Advisory Board, American Legion, CAL FIRE Red Flag Patrol, Master Gardeners, Ham Radio Group and helped with 4-H.
Jim’s other interests and hobbies included: grandparenting, fly tying, rod building, wood working, enjoying reading especially history, genealogy research and photography.
Just after Jim retired in 1998, he was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Initially, they were told he maybe would live another six to nine months, as it was treatable it but wasn’t curable. This journey lasted 25 years. Twenty five years of all the various treatments and prayers. As a team they approached the cancer “head on.” They climbed mountains as they experienced the treatments, but they also enjoyed each moment they had together. They traveled the United States, spent time with family and friends. They treasured living in Mariposa.
A celebration of life for James “Jim” Willard Johnson will be held on May 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Mariposa Lutheran Church, 4469 Highway 49 South in Mariposa.
For any questions, please contact Elizabeth.
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