James “Jim” Randall Johnson, 71, of Licking, Mo., was born Nov. 28, 1945, in
Louisville, Ky., and passed away peacefully on May 20, 2017, at Cox South Medical
Center in Springfield, Mo., surrounded by his loved ones.
He is survived by his wife, Nguyen Johnson; five sons and one daughter, James N. Johnson and Kimberly Mullins of Licking, Mo., Jesse and Sabrina Johnson of Columbus, Kan., Tammy and Larry Withrow of Gramercy, La., Randy and Sylvia Johnson of Ft. Worth, Texas, John and Venissa Johnson of Houston, Mo., and Rex Johnson of Licking, Mo.; 13 grandchildren, Kyle, Wyatt, Andrew, James, Macie, Maegan, Kacie, Hayleigh, Shelby, Hunter, Kallie, Brittany and Zachary.
He joined the Army in January 1964 and served until June 1977. He served during the Vietnam War and was awarded the following medals for his service to our country: National Defense Service Medal,Vietnam Medal (14 campaigns), Good Conduct Medal(4th AWD), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal W/60 Device.
During his tour in Vietnam, he met the love of his life and just after 3 short months he married Nguyen on April 26, 1964, in Vietnam. They just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
After the service, Jim traveled to various states like Wyoming, Montana, Oklahoma and Kansas, but his favorite was when he moved to Rockport, Texas, where he began Shrimping. He loved being out in the gulf and on the water.
He moved to Licking, Mo., in June 2006. He would spend out the remainder of his life on his farm raising pigs & cattle.
Jim was no stranger to hard work and often referred to as ” the jack of all trades.” He always provided for his family and loved ones, but when he did take time off from working he loved to go hunting and fishing. He loved going to auctions and flea markets with his wife, Nguyen. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye! He loved playing poker with his grandson, Kyle, chasing that royal flush on 3-card poker. He finally caught it when he went on a cruise with his loved ones in July 2015 to Nassau Bahamas at Atlantis Casino.
You rarely found Jim sitting around inside the house. He was always on the go! He went above and beyond for anybody that had the pleasure of knowing him. He truly was a hero in so many people’s eyes and considered to be everyone’s best friend. He will be greatly missed by many!
A Celebration of life service is 11 a.m. Friday, May 26, at the family farm in Licking, Mo., with Pastor Russ Stigall officiating. Services and cremation are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.evansfh.com.
PAID
