James K. Johnson passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on May 7, 2022 after a long illness. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, Illinois. A memorial visitation will be from 1 p.m. until service time. Memorials in his honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Donors Choice and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.
Jim was born on May 26, 1941, in Bristow, Oklahoma, the son of Kirby and Nelda Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; sons, Kirby (Bridget), Brent (Ingrid) and Tyler Johnson; grandchildren, Henry, Gavin, Korina and Dylan Johnson; brother, David Johnson of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; and sister, Karen Benton of Missouri. His brother Richard Johnson and his parents preceded him in death.
He graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1959, and played football in high school.
He graduated from Emporia State College in 1963. Two years earlier, he met Wanda Weber and the two married May 30, 1964. They both taught high school until Jim was drafted into the Army in 1966. After completing his service, he attended the University of Kansas where he obtained a MFA degree in 1969. In 1970, he joined the faculty of Arkansas State University as a Professor of Sculpture. He came to Eastern Illinois in 1978 as chair of the Art Department.