James A. Johnson, 85, of Eau Claire died Tuesday, March 30, 2010, at Sacred Heart Hospital due to complications of pneumonia. \r\nHe was born August 27, 1924, to Oscar J. and Katherine (Wagner) Johnson in Eau Claire. \r\nJames was very proud of his military service, having served in two overseas tours; the Korean War and the Occupation in Japan. He was honored with a Korean service medal, with four bronze stars, the United Nations service medal, and the Occupation Medal in Japan. It was important to him to contribute and show on-going support to the American Legion and VFW. \r\nHe worked at Dolly Madison of Eau Claire prior to the beginning of his military career and at a variety of other businesses in the Eau Claire area upon his return home. \r\nJim loved nature. He enjoyed going to feed the ducks in Carson Park, weekly lunches at local restaurants and going to many other outings with his nephew William. Jim also found great pleasure in collecting coins and stamps. Jim was a great influence in his niece Darlene's life with many tender, youthful, memories especially those of simple things, like rainy summer nights gathering nightcrawlers together for fishing excursions and discovering rocks for his collection along the way. Jim also cherished the letters, cards and gifts sent to him throughout the years, saving many of them in packages labeled, "memories." A newspaper article and photo from the 1960s featuring Jeff and Louis' gifts of heart-shaped potatoes on Valentine's Day to their mother was just one of many memories.\r\nJames is survived by two sisters, Margaret Catherine Gunderson of Eau Claire and Dorothy Elaine Johnson of Chattanooga, TN; nephews and nieces, Darlene (Roger) Frank, Butch Grevitch, Dave Grevitch, Margie Falzner, William ( fiancé Susan Sharpe) Gunderson, Dan (Gloria) Gunderson, Jeff (Katie) Gunderson, June (Jerry) Zopp, Louis Gunderson, George (Gerri) Johnson Jr., Carol (Ken) Brownell, Mary ( Tom) Brownell, Helen (Duane) Anderson, and Mary (Larry) Green; and many beloved great-nieces, great nephews, and friends. \r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Eleanor (Arthur) Carroll; three brothers, George (Gertrude "Trudy") Johnson, Harold "Boots" Johnson, and Richard D. Johnson; nephews, Richard Norman Hoyt, and George "Wally" Gunderson Jr.; and niece, Sherri Nichols.\r\nFuneral services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at Scalzo-Taylor Funeral Home, 306 Rusk St. Spooner, WI 54801, with Pastor Will Mowchan officiating. Burial will be at the Northern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery inBeaver Brook Township, WI. Visitation will be held one half hour prior to the services at the funeral home.\r\nWilliam Gunderson and Susan Sharpe would like to express their most heartfelt appreciation to the nursing and PCA staff of the 5th floor and the critical care unit on 2nd floor for the outstanding care given their beloved uncle, and their most sincere and deepest appreciation to Monsignor Klimek and Sisters Monica and Caroline for their spiritual care and long hours of personal support. They would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Kiddess for his compassionate care of their Uncle Jim and the members of the palliative care team, especially Jeanne, Katie, and Gerry, and all those whose names they may have missed but whose thoughtful contribution to their Uncle Jim's care will not be forgotten. William and Susan would like to extend their appreciation as well for the "above and beyond" hospitality and generosity of the Sacred Heart Visitor Center and the Mission Group Warm-Up Project of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for the beautiful blanket made for Jim by loving hands.\r\nWilliam would like to acknowledge his most gracious appreciation to Susan Sharpe for being with him during this time of mourning for the loss of his beloved Uncle Jimmy. Cards and condolences may be sent to E16080 Scenic Drive, Fall Creek, WI 54742. \r\nJim was an honest, kind and gentle man who always saw to the comfort of those who visited him. He will be greatly missed.\r\nWilliam, as Jim's earthly Guardian Angel, gently handed Jimmy's hand over to his Heavenly Guardian Angel in time to join in the Lord's Supper during this beautiful Easter Season. May he rest in peace with God.

Service Information