Jimmie Darrell Johnson, known to all as Jim, of Bourbon, MO, departed this life suddenly on Friday, June 10, 2016, having reached the age of eighty-four years, eleven months and ten days. Jim was born in Waldron, AR, on August 30, 1931, son of William Alex Johnson, known to all as Alex, and Mary Willie Johnson nee Fisk. His family later settled in Sullivan, MO, where he grew up and graduated from Sullivan High School in 1950. On June 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Anna N. Thomas and two children came to bless this union.
Jim is survived by his wife, Anna Johnson of Bourbon, MO; by his wonderful children, James W. Johnson of Sullivan, MO, and Jo Ann Pinnell and husband, Bradley, of Eureka, MO; by three grandchildren, Zachery Pinnell of Kansas City, MO and Sarah and Courtney Pinnell of Eureka; by one brother, John Drier and wife, Sandy, of Sullivan; by one sister, Ann Dill and husband Ken, of New Haven, MO; by brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great and great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Mary Johnson, and by one grandson, Brady Pinnell.
After his graduation from High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, he was sent to college in for training in commercial transportation. He served in Nancy, France during his enlistment and received his honorable discharge on April 21, 1955, having attained the rank of Sergeant. In later years, he used this transportation training as a driver of over the road automobile transports with his close friend, Bill Green.
Jim was a Christian and a fifty-seven year member of Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, MO. He was a very supportive and active member of the church and had served as van director for many years. He was also a member of the Sullivan Optimist Club and Sullivan Police Auxiliary.
Through out his life, Jim was a hard worker and had several occupations. In February 1964, he and Anna became insurance agents, working for the American Family Insurance Agency in Sullivan, MO, working together to help build the agency and retired after thirty years with the company. Jim was very civic minded and was especially passionate about serving the community as a volunteer fire fighter. He joined the Sullivan Fire Department in 1959, when the station was still in the basement of City Hall and had a 1941 GMC Pumper. He devoted many hours and worked his way up through the ranks serving in many capacities and eventually became Chief. As Chief, Jim supported the formation of a Junior Fire Department Program in 1978. As a result of this program, many young men in the Sullivan area, including his son, have made a career of Fire Service. In later years, Jim served on the Board of Directors, remaining on the Board for sixteen years. During these years, the department continued to grow and acquire additional trucks and equipment. In April 2012, the Fire District honored Jim by dedicating pumper 854 to him for his fifty plus years of service.
Jim was an outgoing man with many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed camping and had traveled to all fifty states, making many close friends through these travels. Hunting and fishing were other favorite pastimes, especially when his son went with him. He and his were sports enthusiast and he attended all of her games. Nothing made him happier than the time spent with his children and grandchildren, for they were truly his pride and joy. Jim was a giving man, giving of his time, giving of his talents and always willing to lend a helping hand to others. He was an avid reader and loved watching old Westerns. Jim’s life was always to be of service to others and to his community.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Temple Baptist Church in Sullivan, MO, with the Rev. Dr. William Miller and the Rev. Scott Perry officiating. Full fire department honors with the last call were conducted following the service. The family was honored to have the Fire Department members serve as Honor Guard and Pallbearers. Interment with full military was held in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Sullivan, MO. The casket was carried to the cemetery in the 1941 GMC Pumper and Pumper 854, which had been dedicated to Jim Johnson in 2012, was also in the procession. Memorials may be made to the Van or Building Fund of Temple Baptist Church, Sullivan, MO or to Backstoppers, St. Louis Chapter.
The Johnson Family entrusted the care of their loved one to Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, MO.