James "Jay" Johnson

James "Jay" Johnson, age 76, of rural Niota, Illinois died Monday, February 4, 2013 at his home.

Jay was born on December 30, 1936, in Fort Madison, Iowa the son of Dale and Elizabeth Reimbold Johnson. On January 31, 1981, he married Teresa Adair.
Jay attended school in Nauvoo, Illinois, later transferring to Melbourne High School in Melbourne, Arkansas where he graduated. In 1954 he enlisted in the US Navy and served during the Korean Conflict. Over the years Jay worked at several jobs including deckhand on a Mississippi River towboat and traffic manager for Gleason Corporation. Lastly, he held a position as sales representative for Consolidated Freightways for nearly twenty years. Jay was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, canoeing, reading, playing cards (especially cribbage and euchre), cooking and entertaining friends. Collecting and sharing favorite recipes was one of his many hobbies. Jay had a life-long interest in Native American culture and all matters regarding the settling of the West. He was a member of the National Wild Turkey Federation and Wheeling Sportsmen.
Jay is survived by his wife Teresa Adair of rural Niota, one daughter, Jocelyn Johnson of Savannah, Georgia; one son, Eric Johnson of Nauvoo; one sister, Jean (Hanse) Michael of Nauvoo; and one brother, Aaron Johnson of Galesburg, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bob Johnson of Clebourne, Texas.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dallas City, IL with Father Tony Trosley officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be at the Appanoose Cemetery near Niota. Friends may call after 3:00PM Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City where a prayer service will be held at 6:00PM followed by a visitation with the family until 8:00PM. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that a contribution be made to a favorite charity of the donor's choice.