Obituaries

James Albert Johnson, age 90, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on July 26,2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. He was born on December 8, 1935, in Turtle Creek, West Virginia, to William and Myrtle (Wheatley) Johnson.

Jim grew up on his family's farm in Lynn, Kentucky, and graduated from McKell High School in 1955. As the oldest of four boys, he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance from an early age. Following graduation, Jim proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps for three years before transferring to the United States Air Force, where he served an additional two years.
While stationed in Sault Ste. Marie, Jim met the love of his life, Audrey. He often shared the story of seeing her walking across the Ashmun Street Bridge and telling himself, "I'm going to marry that woman someday." That prediction came true, and together they built a loving family.

Jim dedicated nearly four decades to public service. He served as a police officer for the City of Sault Ste. Marie from 1960 until his retirement in 1988, earning the respect of his community through his integrity, compassion, and commitment to helping others. Throughout his career, he became a mentor to many officers and members of the community. In 1986, he proudly graduated from Lake Superior State University alongside his son, James, a milestone he cherished. Following his retirement from law enforcement, Jim continued serving the public by working for the U.S. Immigration Service from 1988 until 1998.
Jim was an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police and served his community as a City Commissioner for four years. He also served on the Police and Fire Pension Board, continuing his lifelong commitment to public service.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim found great joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, farming, and spending time riding his tractor. He taught his children to be resourceful and was always in the garage, happily tinkering with engines and repairing anything that needed fixing. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren, entertaining them with imaginative stories and creating memories they will always treasure. He also enjoyed sharing coffee with his colleagues, reading Louis L'Amour western novels, and watching Gunsmoke, which remained one of his favorite television shows throughout his life.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Pamela Honkanen of Sault Ste. Marie; sons, James (Lee) Johnson and Christopher (Jamie) Johnson of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Andrea (Dan) Eves, Ashley (Nate) Ward, Matthew (Alyssa) Kibble, Jamie (Matt) Schnurer, Matthew Johnson and Claire Johnson; great-grandchildren, Cate Ward, Lyla Ward, Connor Eves, Corinne Eves, and Aurora Schnurer; brothers, Kenneth (Sylvia) Johnson of Lynn, Kentucky, and Gerald (Doris) Johnson of Warnock, Kentucky; and sister-in-law, Sharon Johnson of Ashland, Kentucky.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey (Bourque) Johnson; parents, William and Myrtle; brother, Joseph Johnson; and son-in-law, Mike Honkanen.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026, starting 12:00 PM, at the Christopher Columbus Hall, 201 Sheridan Dr., Sault Ste, Marie, MI 49783.

Memorial Contributions may be made out to the Sault Ste. Marie Firefighter Union Fund, 2464 West 4 Mile Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The fund provides emergency financial assistance to the families of local firefighters, police officers, and first responders who have dedicated their lives to protecting our community, offering support during their time of loss.

James’ final resting place will be Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.