Trending
James Robert "Pops" Johns, 85, of Hughesville, passed away peacefully at 5:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023.
Born Feb. 18, 1938, to James Ralph and Elizabeth Amerman Johns in Pitcairn, Pa., he was the third son of five boys and one girl.
Jimmy bleeds Black & Gold and remained a Steeler fan until the end. When the rest of the family moved from the Pittsburgh area to Montoursville, he stayed and began working at the age of 12 to help his grandfather deliver coal and ice. Most likely because he was driving a truck with a legit excuse to miss school. He finally was drug to Montoursville by his older brothers, Dave and Glenn, so he didn't end up in more trouble for wreaking his grandfather's car.
In the early 50's Jimmy started school at Montoursville High School. He excelled in football and earned the title Montour's Little Big Man. At 115 lbs. and 5'2, he was named the state half back. He also wrestled and played basketball. In tenth grade when his family moved to Muncy, he quit school so he didn't have to play for a rival team. Jimmy was also an avid Penn State fan, attending all the home games with Barb, Aunt Edie and Uncle Jack for several years.
He began working for Kenny Harman at the gas station on Broad Street in Montoursville. This is when Barbara Jean Egli asked him to the prom. On July 18, 1959, Jimmy married Barb. They spent 64 years together in wedded bliss.
Jimmy drove trucks for many others before purchasing his first 18-wheeler in 1971. Jimmy grew his fleet to five trucks and became an agent for Mason-Dixon Lines then Jones Motor Company. In the 80's he became a full-time agent. While with Jones Motor and HOT Shot Express he earned the contract to deliver all the LLV Postal trucks to the post offices east of the Mississippi. It was with Jones Motor that he earned the Outstanding Achievement Award for sales over a million 6 years in a row and an all-inclusive trip to Atlantis, Bahamas. After the contract ended, he did a short stint with Cardinal before starting J & Jay Services. This is where the fun began.
He was given the Key to the City of Williamsport for recovering the gun used in a homicide. He was contacted by the FBI on more than one occasion to assist in drug busts. There are too many G-Men to list, but all are so appreciated for their time spent with J & Jay Services. Some of those garbage packers should have been painted red as they were at almost as many fire calls as the fire trucks. Thanks guys!
In 2018 at the age of 80, he and Barb finally decided it was time to retire. Jimmy was not one to sit still. Through his work accomplishments he continued to be involved with the community. Jimmy was a life member of the Willing Hand and Hose Co. in Montoursville where he was a Past President, Chief Engineer, and Treasurer of the Relief Assoc. In 2003 Jimmy was recognized as a top responder.
Jimmy had a kind soul and made it his mission to help others, from picking people up from a fall to loaning them money when they needed a helping hand. He taught his children to work hard and look out for others.
Jimmy would light up anytime a child was around. He tried his hardest to spoil his great grandsons and pass his love of sweets on to them despite their mom's eye rolling with a smile on her face. Afterall, she couldn't tell Grandpap no.
We must also mention his love of racing. Jimmy went looking for his son Jay and found him working on Enduro cars at a garage rented by John Hafer. Once he met John a bond was formed, and the family grew. John became the "adopted son and brother" to the family as well as Pop's racing partner. They spent many years tearing up the dirt tracks in the area. Their favorite was Dunn Hill Raceway. No one will ever forget Jimmy teaching his grandson to lie to his grandmother about Butter Pecan Ice-cream while at the races.
Jimmy is survived by his wife; Daughter, Tina Solak (Gary), Emporium; Son, James A. Johns (Joyce), Cogan Station; Daughter, Traci Schultz (Kevin), Muncy; Grandson Benjamin Lorson, Montoursville; Granddaughter Elizabeth Bower (Ryan), Baltimore, MD; and Great grandsons, Emerson and Brooks Bower, Baltimore, MD; brothers David, FL, and Glenn, CA; sister Pamela Gordon-Miller, NV.
Jimmy is predeceased by his parents and brothers Art and Jerry.
Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Montoursville Cemetery, with Pastor Tom M. Brokaw officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at McCarty-Thomas Funeral Home, 733 Broad Street, Montoursville. Jimmy would appreciate casual attire. Show off your best work clothes or jeans and T-shirt.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to UPMC Hospice, Polly Smith, the Hughesville EMS Group, and the many caregivers at Valley View for the care and support provided in his last few weeks.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy's name to the Fire Company or EMS group of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.mccartythomas.com.