James L. Johnson, 75, of Peoria passed away Saturday Nov 20th, at 12:55 am at his residence.
He was born on Oct 8, 1935 in Chenoa, IL the son of Thomas and Wilma Taylor Johnson. He married Marilyn C. Bonn on May 7, 1966. She survives.
Also surviving are their three daughters Mary Lynne (David) Toniny of Peoria and their children Sydney, and Hannah; Kathy Johnson of Peoria and her children Zachary, Kayla, Alex Rodriguez all of Peoria and Carol (Mark) Runyan of Virginia Beach, VA and their daughter Emily. He is also survived by his mother as well as one brother Bill Johnson both of Peoria; two sisters Janice Mathes of Virginia, and Billi Jo Casey of Peoria as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, his step father J.C. Johnson and one sister Jo Ann Johnson.
A Korean War Army veteran, Jim was a member Steamfitters local 353 for 55 years working for Baker Hauser, Natkin and IMS Mechanical Services retiring in 1996. He loved being on the Illinois River fishing, duck hunting, and boating. Jim also was a contemporary duck decoy carver having won several ribbons in Duck Decoy Carving competitions throughout the United States.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial and celebration of life service at 11:30am on Saturday, Nov 27, 2010 at the Knights of Columbus Hall 3523 W Hill St. in Peoria. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to the National Wildlife Federation or Audubon Society.