James "Jim" Johnson

James Matthew Johnson, 59, Bismarck, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in prayer, at his home, on Sept. 18, 2020 after a brief but courageous fight with cancer.  James Johnson, 59, Bismarck, passed away on September 18, 2020. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Church of St. Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

A rosary/vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck.

Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

Jim was born in Jamestown on Feb. 18, 1961 to Marvin and Elsie Johnson. Growing up in Glenfield on his family’s farm, he was the youngest with three older sisters. Loving and enjoying life, he was always quick with a joke and the life of the party.   He graduated from St. Mary’s Central High School in Bismarck. Jim played baseball and even tried out for the MN Twins and received a call back.  While attending the University of MN in Crookston he met Barb.  Barb and Jim were married on Sept. 20, 1986.  They were two days shy of their 34^th wedding anniversary when he passed.  Two boys he loved very much came from their union, Anthony and Lucas.

He was a proud member of the National Guard, and he had many entertaining stories about his time serving.  Jim spent most of his life in sales.  He was a talented salesman that could sell you anything.  He loved all animals but most especially dogs.  At the time of his passing his current dog Neva was with him.  Thoroughly enjoying upland game hunting, he involved his sons and their dogs in this sport.  Time was spent watching the dogs work the field and the enjoying the excitement of the hunt.  Jim was also an avid fisherman.  He found his peace by the water.  Every chance he got was spent fishing or looking for the perfect spot or even just watching the sun set on the water.  This love was shared with his sons and his grandchildren. 

He enjoyed spending time with his family and had many things to teach his children and grandchildren.  He would tell them: “Keep your head high and your shoulders back,” and “In case nobody told you today, ‘I love you.’” He also wanted them to remember that Deuteronomy says, “I will not leave you or forsake you.”  

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Anthony (Kelly) and Lucas; grandchildren, Madison, Gavin, Abbianne and Kateri; and sisters, Mary Jo (Randy) Bartlett, Connie (John) Stangeland, and Candice (Jerry) Keller. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and many in-laws. 

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Marvin and Elsie. 

"I will never leave thee nor will I forsake you"