James “Jimmy” Edmond Johnson passed away unexpectedly Nov. 10, 2022, while working on tugboat Sadie in Alaska. Jimmy was born June 25, 1977, in Aberdeen, Washington to Dana Humphrey (Lawder) and Robert Johnson. Jimmy was the first grandchild born to both the Lawder and Johnson families and was a great source of joy for his grandparents.

From a young age, Jimmy had a tender heart. He loved animals and being outdoors. He enjoyed drawing and had a distinguishable talent early on. Always an active and daredevil spirit, he had a passion for dirt bike riding he carried on into adulthood. Wrestling was another one of his passions, participating in Hoquiam Hawks and later wrestling for Aberdeen and Capital high schools. Jimmy was lucky to have many wonderful friendships that began in his childhood.

People remember Jimmy for his quiet humor, kindness and a charming personality. Even during his addiction struggles, he had countless friends and family rooting and praying for his recovery. His sobriety brought a second chance at life, and he began living it as only Jimmy knew how, as quickly and action packed as possible.

He focused his sights on Alaska and began working hard to build his career. Always an intelligent guy, he attended maritime school to become a Merchant Mariner and had worked his way up to Chief Engineer. He loved what his hard work and dedication brought to his life and was extremely grateful for his friends and family that supported him in his “curve ball life” as he called it. He also continued his work in sobriety, active in NA and helping others in their road to recovery, including sponsorship.

Jimmy met his future wife, Shannon, in 2017 and on July 17, 2021 they were married on the back deck of his parents’ home becoming a stepfather to Skyanne, Makalianna, Kaydance, Madilyn and Fischer. He was looking forward to coming home for Thanksgiving to see his family and meet their new puppy Tugger. He was excited to be working toward building a home on their property in Aberdeen.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his grandfather, James Lawder. He is survived by his wife, Shannon Johnson (Howard) and their five children, his parents Jim and Dana Humphrey of Aberdeen, his father Robert Johnson of Elma, his Nana MaryAnn Lawder of Aberdeen, his paternal grandparents Shirley and Jim Kendall of Elma, his sisters Stefanie (Cole) Bailey and Amy (Bruce) Wallace, nieces Nora Bailey and Ava Wallace, nephews Jude Bailey and Robert Wallace, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and many extended friends and family.

Jimmy’s celebration of life will be held at the Aberdeen Elks Lodge at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.