James Richard "JJ" Johnson

James Richard “JJ” Johnson February 20, 1953 – June 8, 2025, James Richard Johnson, affectionately known as “JJ,” passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, at his home in Rochester, Washington at the age of 72, surrounded in his final moments by his loving wife, Nancy, and son Adam.

Born on February 20, 1953, in Coeburn, Virginia, James moved with his family to Washington State in 1962 alongside his sisters Sally and Shirley. From a young age, James showed a knack for mechanics—a talent that shaped his lifelong career. He became a skilled diesel mechanic and spent many years keeping school buses running safely—first with the Tenino School District and later as head mechanic with the Tumwater School District, where he retired with respect and appreciation from the community.

James loved the outdoors and had a passion for adventure. He spent many cherished days at the Oregon sand dunes with his family, riding sand rails and quads. He also enjoyed peaceful drives through the countryside with his loyal dog, Oogie, by his side. A true car enthusiast, James loved attending car shows and auto swap meets, always on the lookout for rare finds to add to his impressive collection of 1:18 scale die cast classic cars.

Known for his mechanical brilliance, James was the go-to person whenever anyone had vehicle trouble. He could diagnose and fix nearly anything and was always ready to lend a hand. James was also a man of strong convictions and deep generosity. Whether family or friend, he never hesitated to help those in need.

James is survived by his wife, Nancy; son Adam; granddaughters, Kylee, and Maddi; sisters, Sally, and Shirley; and great-grandsons, Levi, and Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Felicia Johnson-Trott, and his parents, Jesse, and Junior Johnson.

A celebration of life will be planned in the future to honor James’s legacy and the love he gave to so many.

He will be remembered for his quiet strength, his giving heart, and the lasting impact he made on everyone lucky enough to know him.