James A. Johnson

James A. Johnson, 72, “Jim” or “Swede” passed away at UPMC Williamsport Thursday, November 13th. Born January 21st, 1953, he was the eldest son of Albert K. and Carlene (Brooke) Johnson. He graduated from South Williamsport High School in 1970.

Jim was an avid fly-fisherman, scaring fish in all bodies of water all over the state of PA. He loved collecting flies to add to an extensive fly-fishing collection consisting of flies, reels, and rods. James was a long-time member of the Lycoming Creek Anglers, Trout Unlimited, and was a founding member of the Camp Susque Lip Rippers. Every year he looked forward to the beginning of the fishing season. He would set up ‘fish camp’ and for the next week, with his closest friends and family, would fish the waters of Trout Run in between laughing, joking, and telling stories. Besides fishing, Jim loved hunting the local wildlife. Whether it be turkey, deer, or things that fly, you could catch him in the woods every hunting season from dawn to dusk. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). When not in the woods or streams, Jim could be found reading, watching Penn State football, Yankees baseball, CSI: Special Victims Unit or the SCI-FI channel. He loved classic rock and the Beatles. He loved the Beatles so much he even wore glasses that resembled John Lennon’s. Jim was also a food lover and enjoyed most things, but loved a good homecooked meatloaf, Chinese, and seafood.

Besides his love of hunting and fishing, his greatest love was his wife, Vicki. Vicki and Jim knew each other most of their young lives but started dating in 1975. Their love lasted 50 years and they celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary this past June. Together they enjoyed antiquing throughout the state of Pennsylvania and the northern New England states.

Jim started with Weather Control roofing in 1984 where he worked as a roofer until 1991 when he started with Hollick Electric. This jump started his career as an electrician. He also went on to work for other electrical companies such as Williamsport Electric and Lecce Electric. Eventually, Jim went to work for the local 812 Electricians Union out of Montoursville where he retired from in 2016. Throughout his electrical career he still did roofing jobs on the side for his company, Johnson Roofing.

Survived by Jim is his wife, Vicki. A son, Heath Heller (Carrie) and daughter, Blair King (Ricky). Also, two granddaughters, Madison and Delaney Heller. Sisters, Holly Johnson, Joni Tubbs, and Merry Johnson. Nieces, Meghan and Eileen, Nephew Tanner, and great nephew, Emmitt. Pre-deceased are his parents, Albert and Carlene, brother, Bruce Johnson, and brother-in-law Carl Tubbs.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 20, at McCarty Thomas Funeral Home, 733 Broad St. Montoursville, with Rev. Larry L. Leland, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Montoursville Cemetery. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

The family will provide the flowers and suggest memorial contributions to Lycoming Creek Anglers’ Club 2079 Blair St., Williamsport PA, 17701.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.