James Richard Johnson

On November 12, 2025, James Richard Johnson (Dick) (JR), was called home after 20 years of suffering from Parkinson's Disease. He was 90 years old. He was born in Newark, Ohio, on November 11, 1935.

He was a graduate of Kirkersville School, Kirkersville, Ohio, in 1953.

He leaves his lovely wife, Emily Charlene (Davis) Johnson, they were married on December 25. 1955, and happily enjoyed 70 years together; his beautiful daughter, Cheryl Lynne (Johnson) Hayes (Scott) and his loving, caring granddaughter, Emily Clarissa Hayes; nieces, Robin Spencer and Jill Maxwell; nephews, Rodney Tufts (Kim) and Jack Maxwell, as well as several great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Roland Johnson and mother, Ocie Winifred (Wiswell) Johnson; Uncle John Wiswell and Aunt Louise (Johnson) Wiswell; Uncle Mert Brandon and Geraldine (Wiswell) Brandon; Uncle Dale Grove and Aunt Rachel (Wiswell) Grove; Uncle Alvah Lightfoot and Aunt Ester (Wiswell) Lightfoot.

James was a member of Kirkersville United Methodist Church of Kirkersville, Ohio for 50 years and now a member of Tri-Village Christian Church of Pataskala, Ohio for the past 20 plus years.

He was also a member of numerous Shrine organizations: Grand Lodge for 65 plus years, Aladdin Shrine Temple for 54 years. Eastern Star of Pataskala for 63 plus years, Scottish Rite for 32 years, Brutal Brothers for 50 years, Royal order of Jesters for 37 years. He was involved in numerous activities through the years and helped raise funds annually for the Shrine Children's Hospital. He was Chief of Staff for several Potentates of Columbus Aladdin Temple.

He worked at Elford Inc. Construction for 30 years. He loved to fish. Give him a fishing pole and lake and he was a happy man. He planned all of Elford annual fishing trips. He retired in 2010 as Executive Vice President. There is a Craftsman Award in his name that is given to one deserving employee every year. He enjoyed his retirement but still missed his dear friend, Jim Smith, who he worked very closely with all those years. He missed everyone, he loved his job. He was also and avid OSU football fan and loved taking cruises on all the cruise ships. He loved hunting and looking for the invasive Big Buck.

He was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by all who loved him. No more shaking JR. May you rest in peace. I will carry your heart in my heart forever. We love and miss you.

Family and friends may visit with the family from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the Tri-Village Christian Church, 7509 E. Broad St. SW, Pataskala, Ohio 43062. Funeral service will be held at the church on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11:00am. Burial to follow in Kirkersville Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation in James's name to the Tri-Village Christian Church-the promise building project, Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Rd., Newark, Ohio 43055 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for James and his family.