James A. Johnson, 87, of Heimdal, ND, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND. Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Hoff Lutheran Church in Heimdal, ND with Pastor Shirley Teske officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held in the Hoff Lutheran Church Cemetery. Music will be provided by Rachel Markestad.

James, son of Oscar C. and Signe Johnson, was born January 3, 1931 in Harvey, ND. He grew up on the family farm near Heimdal and attended grade school in rural Heimdal. He received his high school education at Heimdal and Fessenden, graduating from Fessenden High School in 1948. He attended North Dakota Agricultural College (now known as North Dakota State University) for a short time. He returned to the family farm when his father needed assistance due to health reasons and began his lifelong career in farming.

On August 1, 1954, James was united in marriage to Mavis K. Sogge at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan, ND. After their marriage, they lived on a farm west of Heimdal and in 1959 purchased a farm east of Heimdal where they have continued to reside.

James was a member of the Hoff Lutheran Church in Heimdal, held numerous offices on the Hoff Lutheran Church Council, was named an Honorary Chapter Farmer of the A.S. Gibbons FFA and served as Norway Lake Township clerk-treasurer for over 50 years. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren, visiting with family and friends, Sunday crop tours, playing cards, bowling and watching sporting events.

James is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mavis; children, Connie (Richard) Thomas, Karen (Gregg) Smith and Aaron (Tamera) Johnson; 7 grandchildren, Cara (Craig) Reamann, Kelli (Darwin) Duzan, Jordan (Jayla, fiancé) Smith, Kristen Smith, Ashton, Aubrea and Annie Johnson; 5 great grandchildren, Cole, Ryan and Blake Reamann and Hadley and Harper Duzan; siblings, Everett Johnson, Gordon (Dorothy) Johnson, Dennis (Norma) Johnson and Delores Jensen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar C. and Signe Johnson; his step-father, Alfred Bakken; brothers, Norris Johnson and Marvin Johnson; sisters-in-law, Dotty Johnson and Delores Johnson; brother-in-law, Owen Jensen.