James (JJ) Neil Johnson

He was born Feb. 15, 1933, in Bradford, Pa., son of Neil and Gertrude (Morrison) Johnson.

He graduated from Brocton High School in 1951, where he was the captain and received accolades of multiple sports. Shortly after high school he was drafted into the U.S. Army. After training Jim was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. where he served as a battalion clerk until he was honorably discharged. After his military service was completed Jim returned to Stockton, N.Y., and attended Fredonia State University.

He married and spent 65 years with the love of his life, Patricia Wisniewski. He and Pat purchased a 100-acre farm on Bacheller Hill Road, where they became Chautauqua County dairy farmers. They were blessed with six children. While farming for many years, Jim also worked at regional corporations and retired from Templeton in the late 90s. After retiring, Jim drove a Carts bus for many years as well.

Jim was an outstanding athlete all his life. Jim’s love of his sons and baseball led him to become a Stockton Little coach and manager. During these years, Jim taught many young boys the fundamentals of baseball and life. He was able to forge lifetime friendships with many of the boys who played on his baseball teams. Jim also loved the game of golf and was an active member of the Monday, Tuesday and Thursday Night Leagues at Cassadaga Country Club. Jim bowled in Potter Lisi leagues for many years. Jim’s two great sport loves were hunting and fishing. A great fisherman, Jim made dozens of trips to upper Canada where he taught countless numbers of friends and relatives to fish for the big ones. His friends and relatives will forever be indebted to his patience and knowledge.

On his farm Jim was able to deer hunt for over six decades. He once again taught numerous friends and relatives the art of deer hunting. The ritual of opening day of deer season with the Reilly men was also enjoyed by so many hunters thanks to JJ. Some will recall the trophy buck he bagged many years ago that appeared in the hunting magazine, “Boone and Crockett”.

JJ and his hunting crew often trekked off to the states of Colorado and Montana to try their hand at “Big Elk Hunting”. He led a full and active life during his time on earth.

Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia (Wisniewski) Johnson. His daughters: Donna (Doug) Canfield, Michele (Tom) Zappala and Jac (Rick) McCracken; daughter-in-law Cheryl Johnson; son, Scott (Jody) Johnson; Mike (Kim) Hooks. He is also survived by is his brothers: Leon (Nancy) Johnson and Ronald (Pauline) Johnson; sister, Nancy (late George) Sisson.

Surviving grandchildren include Chynna Johnson; Jerimiah (Tricia) Dubois and Brandon (Tabitha) Dubois. Shannon (Al) Shaw, Lydia (Jim) Kurt and Nathaniel (Samantha) Zappala, Jamie (Kevin) Rigsby, Preslie, Mackenzie and Jonathan Johnson and Ian and Evan Ward; 11 great-grandchildren; his in-laws: James and Theresa Bickhart and Christine Lesso; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Gertrude Johnson; his oldest son. Randall Johnson and his infant son, Stacy Johnson.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Burial in Kelly Hill Cemetery, Pomfret.

Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750 are appreciated.