James Russell JOHNSON

JOHNSON, MICKELSON, BABCOCK, AMDAHL, RASMUSSEN, JEANBLANC

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 9/26/2016 at 00:49:17

November 28, 1914 ---- April 16, 1991

James Russell Johnson was born on November 28, 1914, the son of Olaus and Alma Mickelson Johnson, at Eagle Grove, Iowa. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at age 14. Russell received his education in the Eagle Grove school system, graduating from Eagle Grove High School in 1933. His wrestling talents earned him the title of 1934 and 1935 A.A.U. Champion Wrestler. He completed one year at Iowa State College, Ames, Iowa. Upon returning to Eagle Grove, Russ was employed with Wilson & Company.

James Russell Johnson was united in marriage to Mae Babcock of Eagle Grove on January 2, 1940, at Fairmont, Minn. The couple returned to Eagle Grove following their marriage where he worked for Potgeter Grain Company. In 1943 they moved to Oregon where he was employed at the shipyards during the war. He returned to Eagle Grove in 1945 and worked 31 years for Iowa Public Service as an electric serviceman. He retired on December 1, 1976.

James Russell Johnson died at his home from an extended illness on April 16, 1991. He had attained the age of 76 years, four months and 18 days. He leaves in passing his wife, Mae Johnson of Eagle Grove, Iowa; two sons, James Johnson of Kansas City, Mo. and Jerry Johnson of Eagle Grove; three daughters, Joan (Mrs. Virgil) Rasmussen of Goldfield, Iowa; Jana (Mrs. Myron) Amdahl; and Joyce (Mrs. David) Jeanblanc, both of Eagle Grove. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Russ was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Carroll and Gordon. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, Iowa, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and a long-time member of the Eagle Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Funeral services for James Russell Johnson were held on April 19, 1991 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagle Grove, Iowa. The Reverend Maynard Moen officiated the 11 a.m. service and burial was in Rose Hill Cemetery, Eagle Grove, Iowa. Kastler-Babcock Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

April 24, 1991
Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa