James Roger “Jim” Johnson, 84, of Jamestown, N.Y., passed away Monday morning, March 20, 2023, at his residence.  He was born June 29, 1938, in Jamestown, New York, son of the late William F. and Bernice C. (Morgenstern) Johnson. 

After his 1956 graduation from Jamestown High School, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Green Cove Springs, Florida.  As an electronic technician, he enjoyed his work replacing old antennae with the latest equipment on many ships.  When his two-year enlistment was up, Jim remained in Florida working as a plasterer, before finally returning to live in Jamestown, New York.

In 1960, Jim started working at Anderson’s Screw Products.  Though he started just by sweeping floors at the machinery plant, his hard work and dedication eventually led him up to plant superintendent.  Initially he thought of it as “just a job” but he became fascinated by the intricacies of machining as well as diplomacy of staff management.  His job also gave him the opportunity for international travel and annual trips to Chicago for the National Tool Show.

Jim’s hobby of roller skating– starting as a young boy at Midway Amusement Park– led him to the love of his life, Warren native, Barbara Ann Musante.

Jim met Barbara at the Russell Roller Rink in March 1964 and won her over with his sweetness, humor, and devotion.  The two married in 1970 and went on to build a house, family, and a happy life together that lasted over 50 years.

Over the years, James and Barbara continued to roller skate, forming a skating community that stayed together long after their regular meeting place—Evan’s Skateland—closed down.  Jim was the president of their skating club and continued to arrange Christmas parties and summer picnics.

Jim was very involved in his community, not only as a volunteer fire fighter for the Kiantone fire department, but also as a longtime member of the Kiantone zoning board of appeals, becoming chairman until he stepped down in 2019.

Jim enjoyed participating in weekly biking trips every summer, picnics, dinners, and parties.  He loved gardening and carpentry.  He was meticulous and very much a perfectionist, making sure everything was exactly the way he wanted it.

After Jim retired in 1999, he started BJ’s Concrete Products, a small lawn and statuary business that continues on with his children and grandchildren at the helm.

Jim will be remembered for his bluntness, his generosity, and his genuine smiles – unless you were asking him to smile for a photo.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 53 years, Barbara Johnson, his four children, Dawn (Steve) Carutis of Westfield, Dan Johnson of Randolph, Cynthia (David) Zuech of Gerry, Jennifer (John Booth) Johnson of Brooklyn, and six grandchildren: Jessica Johnson, Jamie Johnson, Zachary (Lainy Cofer) Zuech, McKenzie Zuech, Alyzza Zuech and Zoe Zuech.

Jim was preceded in death by his older brother, Philip W. Johnson, older sister, Barbara A. (Johnson) Meeker and his parents, William F. and Bernice C. (Morganstern) Johnson.

A private funeral service will be conducted at the convenience of the family.  Interment will be in St. Joseph R.C. Cemetery, Warren, PA., E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com   The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA., has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.