Published: September 04, 2008 10:42 am      

James Lenard (Jimmie) Johnson

James Lenard (Jimmie) Johnson, 62, formerly of McAlester, died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2008, in Oklahoma City.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Family Worship Center, Highway 270 East, in Krebs, with the Rev. Robert Wolf officiating, assisted by Pastor Kerry Kirkhart. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post No. 79 following the service.

Born Jan. 5, 1946, in McAlester, he was the son of Samuel Lee and Lillie Mae (Edwards) Johnson. He grew up in McAlester and graduated from McAlester High School in 1964.

He had worked as an electrician’s apprentice while in high school and went to work at the Naval Ammunition Depot as an electrician until joining the Army in 1968.

He received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and then was deployed to Vietnam until he returned to the United States in December 1969. He served in the military until he received disability retirement in 1986. He was stationed several places in Oklahoma, including Fort Sill, as well as tours of duty in Germany, Japan, and Hawaii.

He received numerous honors and commendations including, National Defense Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Presidential Unit Commendation, Army Commendation Medal (two awarded), Army Good Conduct Medal (five awarded), NCO Professional Development Medal (three awarded), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (three awarded), Sharp Shooter Qualifying Badge, Rifle, M16.

He loved baseball and coached several winning teams while in the military. He worked his way through college, receiving several college degrees and served as aide to the Judge Advocate General while in Hawaii.

He was an avid coin collector as well as having numerous other collections. He loved spending time with his family, especially his great-grandchildren, and a special great-nephew. He was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include two daughters and one spouse, Yvette Andrews, of McAlester, and Elaina and Johnny Smith, of Oklahoma City; two grandchildren and one spouse, Victoria Andrews, and Sarah and Grant Rethman, of Oklahoma City; two great-grandchildren, Corey Rethman, and Miriana Rethman, of Oklahoma City.

Also, two sisters and two brothers and spouses, Marjorie Wolf, of McAlester, Ann and Larry Lewis, Plymouth, Minn., Wayne and Ellen Johnson, Henrietta, Texas, and Ron and Loretta Johnson, of Krebs; nieces and nephews and spouses, Jeff and Nikki Wolf, of Krebs, Darren and Shonda Wolf, of Krebs, Shana and Daniel Wortham, of McAlester, Brandi Johnson and Jonathon Key, Kimberley and Sam Brock, and David and Heather Johnson, all of Wichita Falls, Texas, Rondell and Pete Bennett, of Oklahoma City, Gerrick and Peggy Johnson, of Krebs, Micaiah Johnson, of Krebs, Daithan and Christa Johnson, of McAlester, Shelley and Kevin White, of Tahlequah, Brian and Chris Lewis, Jeremy Lewis, and Larry and Stacie Lewis, all of Plymouth, Minn., and Traci Matthews, of Oklahoma City.

And, great-nieces, great-nephews and spouses, Jennifer Ackel, of Krebs, Julie and Derek Fleeman, of Durant, Matthew Wolf and Hunter Wolf, of Krebs, Joseph Wortham, Breanna Wortham and Eyan Wortham, of McAlester, Jaiden Johnson and Jenna Johnson, of Krebs, Keirsten Bennett, of Oklahoma City, Joshua and Shelby Lewis, and Justin Lewis, of Tahlequah, David Matthews and Daniel Matthews, of Oklahoma City, Dillon Lewis, Anthony Lewis, Tyler Lewis, Zachary Lewis, Erika Mastel, Marc Lewis, Hayley Lewis, Megan Lewis, Ethan Mastel, all of Plymouth, Minn., and Mikayla Johnson, Wichita Falls, Texas.

And, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, Hailey Lewis, Denver, Aerial Ackel, of Krebs, and Isaia Fleeman, of Durant; numerous cousins and friends, and an aunt, Jewel Faye Tullis, Hope, Ark.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Lillie Johnson; granddaughter, Jessica Smith; granddaughter, Nicole Andrews, niece, Jodi Lewis, and great-nephew, Lance Wolf.

Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews and nieces.

Memorials may be made in his name to the Building Fund at The Family Worship Center, Highway 270 East, Krebs, Okla., 74554.