James Johnson's Obituary
Our hearts are heavy, but so full of gratitude for the life of James Johnson. Many of you know him as Butch or Jim, but for us, he was Papa.
He was born on October 21, 1943, in Wapello County, Iowa, and was adopted by his aunt, Mildred Johnson, and her husband. His early days were spent helping his dad on the farm, driving tractors, and feeding chickens. He graduated from Eddyville High School and was active in rodeo life and racing cars. He was a demolition derby driver until he was 41.
He was the kind of person who lit up a room with his feisty spirit and his quick, hilarious sense of humor. He famously never had a filter-he always said exactly what was on his mind-but people knew and loved that about him. He married Darlene Guffey in 1978. That was the beginning of the greatest role of his life. He stepped into our lives when the youngest was 7, and there were 4 kids still at home. He took on the role of our father without hesitation, helping us heal during difficult times. He stepped up when we needed him the most.
He was an early riser for most of his life, always checking in on people by phone and usually starting his day by getting us up for school and making scrambled eggs with cheese. He owned his own painting company, Jim Johnson Painting. He enjoyed teaching his kids, grandkids, and his daughter's boyfriends how to paint. He was a mentor and a father figure to many grandkids over the years, and a consistent source of positive support for those in his life.
Our family moved to California in 1986. Jim and his wife of 39 years, Darlene, loved country music and dancing at the VFW Hall in Lemon Grove. He had a nickname for everybody-from "Buckshot" and "Biscuit" to "Cowboy", "Peewee", "Airhead", "Jakers", "Skinny", and "Hillbilly Sue" - and he never missed a chance to call everyone on Thanksgiving to say, "Happy Birthday, Turkey".
We all have our favorite "Butch-isms" that we'll carry with us forever:
"When I'm up, everybody's up!"
"What do you think this is, a rest home?"
"It's a long way from your heart."
"It all goes down the same hole."
"Don't mess with my family."
"They're kids, let them go. Let them be kids."
He spent the last 6 years of his life in Iowa. Papa, the world looks and feels different today without you, but we are so grateful for the impact you made on so many people. We know you're at peace. We'll carry your spirit, your wit, and your love for this family with us.
Survived by his kids, DeAnna Hepker, Becky (Mike) McSparen, Daniel Guffey, Brenda Hare, Susan Guffey, and Danielle (John) Walker. He has 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren, and his special friend, Val Dial.
Preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Darlene Johnson; his parents; his daughter, Vickie Guffey; his son, David Guffey; and two sons-in-laws, Gene Perryman and John Hepker.
RIP, Papa. 10-21-43 to 3-1-26
The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 7th, from 5 PM - 7 PM at The Vine Coffee House in Ottumwa. Light refreshments will be served. Please text Danielle Walker if you'd like to donate to Jim Johnson's Memorial Fund. 847-707-2472
Written by Susan Guffey, his daughter.
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