James W. Johnson, 83, of Eau Claire, died Friday, November 09, 2012, at Care Partners Lindemann House in Eau Claire. He was born in St. Cloud, MN on December 1, 1928, the son of George and Agnes (Barrett) Johnson. He served in the United States Army as a Master Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. James was awarded a Purple Heart and holds the combat infantry-man`s badge, the bronze star and the oak leaf cluster to the bronze star for heroism in action. James married Betty Duret. Betty passed away in June 1977. He married Margaret (Wolf) Haller on January 17, 1987, in Stillwater, MN. James worked as a locomotive engineer in the railroad industry for 40 years. He was also an avid boxer and became a European Champion. James was a member of Elks B. P. O. Lodge No. 402 in Eau Claire and a life member of VFW Post 7232. James is survived by his wife, Margaret; seven children, James P. "Rocky" Johnson, Pam (Don) Krushke, Patricia (T.J.) Skaff, Penny (Kurt) Whitcomb, David "Herb" Johnson, Robert (Nancy) Haller, Kaylene (Jerry Green) Haller; grandchildren, Nick Krushke, Barrett (Kersten) and Brady Skaff, Sammie and Christina Whitcomb, Ashley and Kevin Hagmann, Steven and Michael Haller, Chantel and Skyler Watton, Taryn, Andrea and Allisa Stewart; one sister, Sally Drake and Bridget; two sister-in-laws, Eleanor Bronk and Mary Kathryn (Vern) Grant; brother-in-law, Bill (Betty)Wolf; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Betty; grandson, Andy Krushke; five brothers, Edward Johnson, Tom Johnson, Joe Johnson, Woody Johnson and LeRoy Johnson; two sisters, Margaret Heinz and Marie Meyer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 322 Fulton St. in Eau Claire with Father George Thayikuzhithottu officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7p.m. on Monday, November 12, 2012 at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home WEST CHAPEL, 1405 N. Clairemont Ave. in Eau Claire with the Elks B. P. O. Lodge No. 402 conducting an Elks Ritual Service at 5:30p.m. and a Public Prayer Vigil beginning at 7p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the Mass on Tuesday at the church. Inurnment will be at a later date in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN with military honors.

Service Information

Cemetery

Fort Snelling National Cemetery 7601 34th Avenue, South Minneapolis MN 55450

Visitation

Monday, November 12 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Prayer Service

Monday, November 12 2012 7:00 PM

Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral & Cremation Services West Chapel 1405 North Clairemont Avenue Eau Claire WI 54703

Mass of Christian Burial

Tuesday, November 13 2012 11:00 AM

St. Patrick's Catholic Church 322 Fulton Street Eau Claire WI 54703