James W. Johnson, age 88, died on Wednesday, February 8 at 3:00am at his residence in McGuffey, Ohio.

He was born on January 29, 1929 in McGuffey, Ohio to the late Glenn and Nona Lee (West) Johnson. On August 13, 1950 James married Katherine J. “Kack” Risner, they were married for 66 years, she survives in McGuffey.

Also surviving are two children: Tami (Mike) Hunsicker of Alger and Rex (Janine) Johnson of Ottawa; eight grandchildren: Mandie (Kyle) Erford, Brittany (Jeff) McCrate, Tyson (Heather) McGlaughlin, Josh Johnson, Carly Johnson and Carrington Johnson all of Ottawa, Travis Hunsicker and Troy (Brandi) Hunsicker both of Alger and eighteen great grandchildren; two brothers: Willis Johnson of Roanoke, VA and Gary Johnson of Wapakoneta; and a sister, Bernita Latimore of McGuffey.

James was preceded in death by his daughter, Jayna McGlaughlin.

James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. He retired from AirFoil Textron in 1992 after 38 years of service. He served on the USV School Board during the consolidation. He was also part of the McGuffey Volunteer Fire Department for a number of years. He was a life member of the Roundhead VFW Post #8832. James enjoyed golfing (for the most part) and also very much enjoyed watching his grandchildren and greats play sports. James was a true gentleman.

The funeral service will begin at 11:00am on Monday, February 13, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger with David Holbrook officiating. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery, Alger.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 6:00pm on Sunday, February 12, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Alger and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to USV Alumni Field House (write Johnson in the memo line) and/or St. Rita’s Hospice.