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Photo of Jimmie O. Johnson

Jimmie O. Johnson

6/1/1930 - 8/16/2017


Obituary


Jimmie Orvid Johnson, age 87 of Clarion Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 16th ,2017.

A Memorial Mass for Jimmie Johnson will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 21, 2017 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 608 2nd Avenue Northeast in Clarion, with Father Jerry Blake officiating. 

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Jimmie was born on June 1, 1930 in Yankton, South Dakota, the son of LeRoy and Sarah Margaret (Greiner) Johnson.  Jimmie attended school in Yankton, SD and Mapleton Iowa High School, graduating in 1948.

After High School, Jimmie attended Casper Wyoming Junior College. Along with attending college, he also served in the Iowa National Guard.  He then returned to Fort Dodge to work at Colonial Furnace Company as an apprentice under three of his Journeymen brothers in the Sheet Metal Trade.  While he was there he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage.   Due to the stroke, he received an Honorable Discharge from the National Guard in January 1949 at the age of 18.

After a long recovery from the stroke and open-heart surgery, he returned to Fort Dodge to work.

It was in Fort Dodge at a dance that he met the love of his life, Colleen Ann (McDermott) Johnson.  The couple was united in marriage on June 5th, 1954 in Eagle Grove, Iowa.  Raising eight children, they made their home in Estherville and Des Moines, later moving to Lake Cornelia in 1970.  In 2005, Jimmie and Colleen moved to their current home on Central Avenue in Clarion.

Jimmie was very passionate about everything he became involved in, including serving as president of the Jaycees, president of the Wright County Democrats and Lake Cornelia Association. He was one of ten founding members of the Tradesmen Credit Union.  He was a member of the Holy Name Society and a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. He was involved in many activities in his community, too many to list.  He was passionate about helping anyone that was in need.  He truly loved people, with his family being number one.

Jimmie is survived by his wife, Colleen, of 63 years; children David Hugh Johnson of Nevada, Iowa, Lee (Deb) Johnson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Theresa (Deceased)(Steve) Simmons, Winterset, Iowa, John (Lois) Johnson, Winthrop, Iowa, Patty Gangestad (Friend Pat Wieth), Clarion, Kay (Brian) Marker, Clarion, Laura (Jonathon) Williams, Pocahontas, Iowa, Jake (Karianne) Johnson also of Clarion; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jimmie is also survived by one brother, Thomas P. Johnson and his wife Meg, Amana, Iowa; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Frank, Bill, and Todd; sisters Mary, Dee, Peggy and Ethel; daughter Terry Simmons; son-in-law Dan Gangestad;  grandson Alec Lawson and grandson Joshua Gangestad. He was also preceded in death by his loving brothers and sisters-in-law.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

The family wishes to thank all of you for your care and concern.