James E. Johnson

James E. (Jim) Johnson, 79, lifelong resident of Indianapolis, passed away January 22, 2022. He was born on August 20, 1942, to the late James J. and Helen Marie (Donlan) Johnson.

Jim graduated from Cathedral High School and attended Indiana and Purdue Universities. Following school, he worked in management for Chrysler Corporation. Jim was a member of the Indiana National Guard and in 1968 was activated with the Company D, 151st Infantry (Ranger) Unit. The unit trained at Fort Benning, Georgia for six months and were deployed to Vietnam on December 26, 1968, returning home in November 1969. The Unit has been recognized as one of the most decorated Guard units to serve in the Vietnam war. After returning home Jim continued to serve in the Indiana National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also continued working at Chrysler where he retired with over 30 years of employment.

Jim had a dynamic personality and anyone who ever met him knows he had a natural wit about him, and a little sarcasm! Jim met the love of his life, Kathleen (Baker) Johnson, and they were married in 1968. Together they raised 4 children. Jim thoroughly enjoyed watching his children’s baseball, basketball, football, and kickball games, as well as other school events. In recent years his attention turned to those same sports/activities in which his grandchildren participated. Jim was extremely proud of his children for their successes and also his grandchildren. He loved playing a round of golf with friends and looked forward to basking in the sun at the pool or beach.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen (Kay) Johnson; children, Colleen (Craig) Miller, Amy Vita, Aaron (Bridget) Johnson, and Meghan Ernsberger; his sister, Karen Lee; 11 grandchildren, and 4 great‑grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 3PM to7PM at Flanner Buchanan‑ Geist, 7855 Cork Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236. Funeral Mass will he held the following day, Thursday, January 27th, at 11AM with visitation the hour prior at Holy Spirit – Geist, 10350 Glaser Way, Fishers, IN 46037. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the service, you may watch the live stream by going to Holy Spirit at Geist’s YouTube page. Find that by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/HolySpiritatGeist, and search for James Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the St. Vincent DePaul Society.