James Johnson

JOHNSON, James David of Saginaw Township, "Gentleman Jim" went to see the man upstairs on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at the age of 75. He was born on August 24, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Beatrice (Walters) and Charles D. Johnson. He graduated from Flint Central High School, class of 1957. A day after graduating, Jim joined the Air Force and proudly served his country for four years. In 1963, he worked for Chevrolet Flint Manufacturing Motor Division, serving 36 ½ years, retiring in 1999 under General Motors. He was a member of U.A.W. Local 659. Following his retirement Jim moved to Farwell, Michigan. He was a member of the Lutheran Faith. Jim married his loyal and beloved wife, Merrily Tenney on December 22, 1973. They had 43 joy-filled years together. He loved spending time at their "Country Cottage" at Crooked Lake for 15 years. Jim was a "special man" always willing to help someone; you might have met him along the way perhaps on the highway by changing a tire or pulling you out during a snow storm. He was also the type of guy who would also buy you a cup of coffee or give you money to buy a meal. "Yes Sir", he would travel miles to help someone in need. "Yes Ma'am", he was the one to hold a door open for you, carry your groceries to your door, shovel your sidewalk or cut your grass. Jim wanted to help people in need, because maybe someday someone will be there to help his family in need. When you think of Jim, do a good deed for someone. Jim was a member of the Saginaw Valley Model Railroad Club and V.F.W. Post 6015 in Marion. He always said, "he was a jack-of-all-trades, but a master of none". Give him a cup of coffee, put on some country music or the Detroit Tigers and he was ready to roll, north, east, south or west. Spontaneous trips were the most fun, especially with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially for his caring and patient heart and fun-loving mischievous smile. Left to cherish his memory besides his wife, Merrily; are one son and two daughters and their spouses: Thomas Johnson and his friend Kim McFadden of Warren, Tina and Steve Sutter, Melissa and Jamie Hickey; seven grandchildren: Cody, Sadie, D.J., BriAnna, Megan, Claire, and Tori; one brother, Tom Johnson; brothers-in-law: Jon (Bonnie) Tenney, Jim (Jean) Tenney; and a sister-in-law, Rebecca (Dave) MacGown. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Angie McDowell and father-in-law, J.B. Tenney and a sister-in-law, Collen Johnson. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lawrence LaLonde and his staff for the years of care Jim received. FUNERAL: A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Rev. Paul R. Hinz will officiate. Military Honors and burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Peace Lutheran Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with Jim's family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.