James “Jim” Leroy Johnson, 83, passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. Born on November 16, 1940, in Cameron, Illinois, he was the son of the late Bert and Phyllis Johnson. Jim was a cherished member of the Cameron community, where he built his home, family and friendships. On July 4, 1965, Jim married his beloved wife, Ruth Clouse, having spent 58 years together. She survives, along with their children, Ernest Johnson of Maquon, Illinois, Angie Johnson of London Mills, Illinois and Colleen Johnson, of Galesburg, Illinois. Also surviving is Jim’s sister, Loretta Ludington, and brother-in-law, Francis Ludington of Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Patricia (Howard) Dunbar and Nancy (Lowell) Lydic, and his brother, Ernest Johnson. He leaves behind a legacy of love, knowledge, creativity and countless cherished memories with his six grandchildren; Drew Enderlin, Ethan (Kaelyn) Enderlin, Sydney Enderlin, Hanna Enderlin, Elizabeth Johnson, and Benjamin Johnson; and his three great-grandchildren, Freya Enderlin, Bailey Enderlin, and Landon Enderlin. Grandpa Jim loved his grandchildren with his entire heart and always believed in each and every one of them. They all will forever agree that there is no one else on this planet quite like Grandpa Jim. Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, archery, fishing, gardening, golfing, camping, traveling, and beekeeping. He and Ruth had an special interest in the History of the Civil War and had visited many of it’s famous sites. He loved the Old West and watching Westerns on the television. On the rare occasion that he was indoors, his artistic talents shined through his wonderful paintings and carpentry, as well as his cooking. Alongside his hobbies and interests, Jim was a career employee at Gates Corporation in Galesburg, where he retired after 34 years. Jim never met a stranger. He didn’t hesitate to help anyone who needed it and was someone who could always be counted on. His family, friends; Freddie and Bob, and grand-dog, Leroy, were his greatest joys. Jim was a talented, genuine, selfless, one-of-a-kind man who is so greatly missed. The family extends a very heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped them and continues to do so during this difficult time.
A celebration will be held in Jim’s honor on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 3 – 6 p.m. at Cameron Christian Church in Cameron, Illinois. All are welcome. His family is establishing a memorial fund to the Galesburg Archery Club and may be left at the Celebration. To leave remembrance or for more information please visit www.turnbullfuneralhomes.com
