James "Jim (MR.J.)" Louis Johnson

James “Jim (MR.J.)” Louis Johnson, 93, of Rockford, IL passed away Sunday, September 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 20, 1930, in Heber Springs, Arkansas to the late Charles C. and Muriel M. (Magee) Johnson.  He served our country in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Clara Tryan on December 22, 1951, at St. Patrick Church in Escanaba, Michigan. He came to Rockford at 19 years old with a welding machine and pocket change. The welding job paid the bills and after various discussions, decided to seek a real estate license. That led to becoming a successful Contractor and never "fully retired". Mr. J was a quiet man; however, he had a wonderful, dry sense of humor and his timing was IMPECCABLE!!  He would come up with the funniest, wittiest comments when you could hear a pin drop, when you least expected it. He enjoyed his fav, OLD STYLE beer and loved his DUTCH MASTERS CIGARS during his “Happy Hour”. He claimed he never inhaled the cigars, but we all knew he did. Another chuckle amongst the family. He was a creature of habit! Had his way of doing things, several times to the contrary of his family. Took family suggestions with his famous, "Okay, we'll see". Always opted for the least expensive, and of course, spent 3 times more because of the cost to repair. Would ALWAYS defend his decision. Another chuckle amongst the family!! Jim and Clara loved traveling in the U.S. via Motorhome. They were on a mission to visit and stay in every state. They did, save one. North Dakota. Never could get an answer as to why ND was avoided. Finally, he loved country music, with a lean towards Johnny Cash. The current style of country music never made it to his ear. Always the classic style, George Strait, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Etc. Etc. Most of all he loved to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Jim is survived by his daughters, Jill (Jim) Marsili, Cyndi (Dennis) DeMars, and Susan (Mike) Lockinger; son, Charles Johnson; daughter in law, Julie Johnson; grandchildren, Cecil Johnson, Scott Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Amanda Johnson, Jenna Huffine, Jacob Marsili, Joy Bohn, Jade Peppers, Kristy Swinbank, and Camryn Lockinger; great grandchildren, Alyssa McBride, Myles Rizzo, Penelope Federico, Delfina Federico, Jaxon Huffine, Carson Huffine, Riley Sisler, Dylan Garrett, Hudson Thelen, Weston Thelen, Liam Thelen, Leni Thelen, Noah Matthew Johnson, and Kaden Swinbank. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Muriel; Beloved wife of 68 years, Clara; son, James L. Johnson Jr.; grandson, Matthew L. Johnson; his siblings. Services are private. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.belviderefh.com.