In Memory
James "Jim" Johnson
James Leslie Johnson
May 29, 1941 – March 30, 2020
Predeceased by his mother, Blanche Tenney Johnson, when Jim was only 9 years old; his father, Paul L. Johnson; his first wife, Michelle; and his mentor, Phillip Townsend.
Born and raised in Napa, Jim attended Napa High School where he made many friends who remained friends throughout his life. He loved track and cross country, archery, Sea Scouts, and DeMolay. After junior college he attended San Jose State, getting his M.S. degree in Psychology along with his MFT and Educational Psychologist certification. He worked in private practice which included helping mothers using hypnosis for labor and delivery. He loved his many years as an Educational Psychologist in the South Bay and in Sonoma County. Upon retirement, Jim kept in touch with many of his students and their parents.
Always curious, Jim loved to read and had a vast collection of the works of T.E. Lawrence, middle eastern and European history, and Winston Churchill. For many years he served as the Northern California Director of the International Churchill Society. Jim also loved his travel adventures which brought repeat visits throughout Europe, the British Isles, Greece, Morocco, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.
Jim was happiest driving his 1972 240Z in ESCA and ZONIC events, and welcomed the advice of his many friends in these car clubs. He also was a volunteer member of the Patient Advisory Committee at Kaiser for several years, helping patients and health care providers to improve systems and communication.
Always in helping mode, he joined with his family, friends and neighbors in many joint home remodeling and street repair projects. He built most of his home in the Santa Cruz Mountains surrounded by 5 acres of redwoods where he raised his son, Matthew, as a single parent. Then, 21 years ago he met Carole, and moved to Sonoma County where they created an idyllic partnership, each enhancing the other’s attributes, loving and learning from each other.
Loving him forever are his wife, Carole Robison, children Kevin & Catherine Robison, Matt Johnson, grandchildren, Caian & Elise Johnson, & kitties, Ella & Isabella.
A gathering for family and friends will be held when we are free to do so. Jim worked for and supported candidates who believe in science, equality, education, social programs to benefit the underserved, and conservation of our National Parks, and wildlife.
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Gerry Closs
A lifelong friend who will truly be missed we go back as long as I can remember. I just read now the last comments that Jim wrote a year ago on my birthday I think back to the days we work together at the Bakery on holidays and remember our time together and in the sea scouts I really regret now not keeping in closer touch. My sincere condolences to his family.
Richard "Dick" Curtis
I knew Jim a long time and he was really a great guy. Everytime I am in town for the Christmas Season to be with my family and friends I think of Jim everytime I go to Lawler's Liquors for Malfatti and Ravioli. In our senior year at Napa Union, Jim and I had a job digging up Ray Lawler's waterline from Jefferson St. into the store to make repairs and replace most of it. Ray paid us $1.00 an hour to sweat out in that hot sun digging out that pipe, and it was hot. We were going to take a break for lunch over at Butter Cream across the street when Ray Lawler's wife, Mrs. Tamburelli's sister came out and told us she had fixed lunch for us. We ate in the back of the kitchen and then went back to work. Jim and I agreed that the lunch was worth the job.
Taffy Burke (Donaldson)
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Richard and I got to visit with him at our last class reunion. We shared a lot of fun Jr. High School memories dating in the "50's". Prayers for his family.