◆
In Loving Memory Of
James Albert Johnson
1934—2025-03-08
Life & Legacy
James Albert Johnson
January 7, 1934 — March 8, 2025
Grantsville
James Albert Johnson, 91, died peacefully the evening of March 8, 2025. He made his debut in a small home on Hale Street in Grantsville, Utah, born to Paul and Laura Johnson on January 7, 1934. Jim was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War. He married Lola Jefferies on December 29, 1954. He ran a barber shop at the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City and another in Grantsville. He also volunteered at the Grantsville Senior Citizen Center where he gave free haircuts. He retired from Magcorp at the age of 63.
A true redneck that loved Heinz ketchup and enjoyed grossing his family out by putting it on everything, including ice cream. He was an avid hunter, shooting his last elk at the age of 85. He was known as the master Dutch oven chef and the man with the teepee at the annual Henry’s Lake trip for 57 years, a tradition continued by his children and grandchildren. He was a quick-witted man with a great sense of humor and many one-liners, some of which should not be repeated.
His final three years were spent living at Summit Vista Retirement Community in Taylorsville, Utah where he made many good friends and was known as Rattlesnake Jim.
Jim is survived by his younger sister Carol, his five children, Paul (Christine) Johnson, Mike (Sheri) Johnson, Sue (Kim) Christensen, LeeAnn Johnson, and Kelly Johnson, 13 grandkids and 19 great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his wife sweet Lola, parents, in-laws, two older brothers Joe and Jerry, grandson Shane Heath, and most of his friends.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, there will be a private family viewing at 10:00 A.M. followed by a graveside service at the Grantsville City Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. followed by the Grantsville Sociable.
January 7, 1934 — March 8, 2025
Grantsville
James Albert Johnson, 91, died peacefully the evening of March 8, 2025. He made his debut in a small home on Hale Street in Grantsville, Utah, born to Paul and Laura Johnson on January 7, 1934. Jim was a proud Navy veteran of the Korean War. He married Lola Jefferies on December 29, 1954. He ran a barber shop at the Rio Grande Depot in Salt Lake City and another in Grantsville. He also volunteered at the Grantsville Senior Citizen Center where he gave free haircuts. He retired from Magcorp at the age of 63.
A true redneck that loved Heinz ketchup and enjoyed grossing his family out by putting it on everything, including ice cream. He was an avid hunter, shooting his last elk at the age of 85. He was known as the master Dutch oven chef and the man with the teepee at the annual Henry’s Lake trip for 57 years, a tradition continued by his children and grandchildren. He was a quick-witted man with a great sense of humor and many one-liners, some of which should not be repeated.
His final three years were spent living at Summit Vista Retirement Community in Taylorsville, Utah where he made many good friends and was known as Rattlesnake Jim.
Jim is survived by his younger sister Carol, his five children, Paul (Christine) Johnson, Mike (Sheri) Johnson, Sue (Kim) Christensen, LeeAnn Johnson, and Kelly Johnson, 13 grandkids and 19 great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his wife sweet Lola, parents, in-laws, two older brothers Joe and Jerry, grandson Shane Heath, and most of his friends.
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, there will be a private family viewing at 10:00 A.M. followed by a graveside service at the Grantsville City Cemetery at 11:00 A.M. followed by the Grantsville Sociable.
Memory Wall
In Honor & Remembrance
Shane Nielsen
Jimmy was one of my favorite people. I loved his down to earth sincerity and his unapologetic way of remaining the cowboy he always was. What you saw is what you got with Jimmy. No B.S. He wasn't trying to impress anyone. Just good ole down to earth honesty and integrity with a pair of cowboy boots. :) I admired, respected, looked up to, and loved Jimmy.
My condolences to the family.
Shane
Mar 17, 2025
John Norcio
Rattlesnake Jim. Definitely one of a kind 🤠🐍
Mar 17, 2025
Erin Arbon Apelu
My life would not be the same without Jimmy. He was literally my 2nd father and helped raise me. He was also an another grandpa to my kids. I don’t recall a point in my life where I didn’t know Jimmy. I grew up at his house since Kelly and I were best friends (who fought like siblings 😊) and he treated me like a daughter. I ate & slept at their house constantly, vacationed with them, etc…and vise versa for Kelly. When I was older and married Lola & Jimmy babysat my kids, and as they grew attended every home football my kids had. My family and I love this man with all our hearts. I am so glad he is reunited with Sweet Lola. This picture was about 10 years ago when we went to lunch and tried to take a picture with this new feature. Jimmy always put up with our craziness, even as Kelly & I were adults. Love you, Jimmy. Until we meet again. ❤️
Mar 15, 2025
Dennis Hays
I was Rattlesnake’s Ministering companion. We visited our families monthly. He was always available and willing to go. He was one of the best companions that I have had. He will be missed as a faithful Ministering companion and friend.
Mar 15, 2025
Susan Broome
Jim was a wonderful man. He left his door open all the time, as well as his heart. He loved people and wanted them to come into his home. Several of my family members and friends have gone in and seen his wall of fame. He had a great sense of humor and and he will be missed. Love goes out to his wonderful family for all they did!
Mar 14, 2025
Marilyn CLARKE
I’ve known you just a short while but I’ll love you forever. See you soon, dear friend.
Mar 12, 2025
Sherryl and Herb Haas
Sherryl and Herb Haas has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for James Johnson
Mar 12, 2025
Claudia Ellett
I so enjoyed meeting Jim and spending some time with him. He was one of a kind. He has a wonderful family and I enjoyed you guys also.
Mar 12, 2025
Marilyn Clarke.
Marilyn Clarke. has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for James Johnson
Mar 12, 2025
Betty Haverhals
Betty Haverhals has purchased Eco-Friendly Memorial Trees for James Johnson
Mar 12, 2025
Betty and Larry Haverhals
Jim was a friend to everyone – but, he was a brother to me. In my genealogy search I found a brother that I never knew I had and never got the chance to meet before his passing. So, Jim quickly became that brother to me. It was hard to get him to smile, but I caught this shot when he was off guard and interested in our neighbor, IZZY – one of our best friends.
Jim would cook breakfast for Larry almost every morning after Larry returned from his water aerobics class. Larry and Jim would watch any sports event there was on Jim’s TV. Whenever Larry was missing, I knew exactly where he was.
In September 2023, Larry had a seizure after eating breakfast that Jim had prepared for him. Jim quickly went and pulled the cord in his bedroom – and the cord in his bathroom in case the first one did not work. The EMTs where there in less that a minute as they were doing a door check on the 5th Floor of our building when the call came in. Jim saved Larry’s life that day.
We will truly MISS him and PRAY that we will meet him in HEAVEN one day. Jim used to always tell me that he will come back to see me. I will patiently wait until we get to see him again.
❤️❤️❤️
Betty and Larry Haverhals
Mar 11, 2025
Paige Vreeken
I can just imagine the party in heaven. The love, laughter, and the dancing.
Mar 11, 2025
Rosemary Martineau
So grateful that near the end of Jim’s mortal life, we became forever friends. I adore his beautiful family. I will miss you all. ❤️🙏🏼
Mar 11, 2025
Diane Powers
I got to know Jim by our mutual love of early morning breakfasts at Dee's Restaurant about 10 years ago. When he moved to beautiful Summit Vista, he invited me over to visit and I got to know his witty humor even more. He was an awesome man of few words, so when he spoke you listened and usually ended up laughing. I liked that he could simplified almost any situation you'd give him with a one sentence answer. He was patient and kind to me. I miss his generation that have left my life over the past 20 years, and now I already miss him. 💔
Mar 11, 2025
Mike Varoz
Jimmy and Lola were a big part of our lives growing up. Much love to your family.
Mar 11, 2025
Connie Duran
God Bless you Jim
Fly high with the Angels
Mar 11, 2025
David Langford
Will be GREATLY missed. Funnest man I ever traveled and partied with. First Drink of OLD CROW I ever had stirred with his finger. All his old Buddies are parting now in heaven. Rest in peace old friend.
Mar 11, 2025
Robert C. Petersen
This gentleman was my best neighbor in Taylorsville. He and always kept our houses lookin great. I actually got him to move here. He will be truly be missed by everyone. There will be no rattlesnake on his door anymore .
Truly loved this true gentleman.
Mar 10, 2025
Kevin Frame
It’s been quite a while since I had the opportunity to talk to him. I will cherish the memories of hunting trips with him
Mar 10, 2025