James Harvey Johnson, Sr., 78, of The Villages, Florida passed away December 26, 2018 at his home. He is survived by his wife of 11 years Rebecca Johnson.
James was born in Steubenville, Ohio, son of the late Earl and Helen Johnson. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a crane operator and reelman at Weirton Steel for 35 years. James was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served for 27 years in the Reserves. James was a member of the Marine Corps League and Devil Dogs Pound of Washington County, PA. He was a founding member of the Tri State Marine Corps League of Weirton, WV where he served as a Sergeant of Arms, Vice Commandant and Pay Master while also organizing firing squads, burial details and color guards. In addition, he also founded the Tri State Young Marines where he served as the Adjutant and Treasurer. James was a member of the Brooke-Hancock County War Memorial and an Adjutant and member of the Funeral Detail of American Legion Post 10 in Weirton, WV. Once he moved to Florida, James became a Sergeant of Arms and member of the Col. Philip C. Delong Marine Corps Colonel Phillips C. DeLong Detachment 1267, as well as a Dog Robber and Devil Dog in Devils Dog Pound 335 in The Villages, FL. James was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages, FL where he served as an usher and greeter for weekend services. He also enjoyed Wonder Word puzzles, the History and Military Channels, and dancing the polka, jitterbug, and shag.
James will be deeply missed by his wife, Rebecca and sons; James H. Johnson, Jr. and his wife, Maria of Jacksonville, NC; Brian Johnson of Jacksonville, NC and Chris Johnson and his wife, Amanda of Buford, GA and daughter, Melissa John and her husband, Tom of Zebulon, NC and step-daughters: Gretchin Bitner and her husband Jason of Huntington Beach, CA and Kimberly Moore of Long Beach, CA. He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and a sister, Emily Waggle of Weirton, WV.
The family will receive friends at The Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages, FL Saturday, January 5, 2019 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. followed by a Service at 11 a.m. Internment will take place on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11 a.m.at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL.
Donations may be made to Colonel Phillips C DeLong Detachment 1267 for Toys for Tots.
