James E. (Jim) Johnson, 70 of Indianapolis, ended his courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis and went home to the Lord on September 15, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife, Carol, and his family. Born in Louisville, KY on September 28, 1944 to Emerson and Elizabeth (Rench) Johnson, Jim moved to Elnora, IN with his mother at the age of five weeks while his father was in WWII. He contracted polio when he was 3½, spent nine months in Riley Hospital learning to walk on leg braces and crutches, and had a tutor at home until the 7th grade when he was finally able to attend public school. Jim graduated from Purdue University in 1966, long before buildings were considered accessible to the disabled. At Purdue, Jim met the love of his life, Carol (Martin) Johnson. After moving to Indianapolis in 1972, he worked in finance at Citizens Gas for 35 years, retiring in 2007.
Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carol, sons Scott (Cindy) and Aaron (Maia), and daughter Kathryn (Mike) Keller, Indianapolis. Also surviving are grandchildren Steven, Elizabeth, Alicia, and Alexandra Johnson; Ethan and Addison Johnson; Amanda and Isabella Slaven; and step-grandsons David, Devyn, Samuel, and Elijah Keller.
An only child, Jim’s parents preceded him in death.
Despite his physical challenges, Jim lived a full, rewarding life, loving his wife and family more than words can say. He enjoyed sports, music, movies, plays, and concerts. Following retirement, he also wrote many articles for his home area newspapers about growing up in the tiny town of Elnora. Jim was an active member of Indian Creek Christian Church.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 17, 2015, 4pm – 8pm, at Indian Creek Christian Church, 6430 S. Franklin Road, Indianapolis, IN 46259. Funeral services will be held at the church on Friday, September 18, 2015, 11am with Eric Denney officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery at Elnora, IN.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.
Carol, So sorry about Jim’s passing. We know it’s a comfort to know he was a strong believer. Praying The Lord is your loving comforter during this time and in the days ahead. Blessings, J.K. & Terry Robinson
I grew up in Elnora the same as Jim..Jim taught me one of my greatest lessons in life. I said a negative thing about someone and his response was, “why can’t we all just get along”. Thank you, Jim. I always stop and remember those words whenever I get a negative thought about someone now. You were one of a kind.
Arlena Andis Coffman
I am saddened by Jim’s death. I always enjoyed working with Jim at CG&CU.
My thoughts are with Carol and family.
Bill
Carol and Family, “Blessed are they that mourn: they shall be comforted”. I’ve known this wonderful man for 45 years and will miss him dearly. I know this much: he loved his family, Purdue and music.
Jim was a wonderful man and a great and noble spirit. I will certainly miss him. Please accept my condolences to your whole family.