Lt. Col. James Gordon Johnson, USAF Ret.
September 16, 1922 - November 20, 2008
Obituary
Lt. Col. James Gordon JOHNSON
USAF, Ret.
Born in Yakima, WA September 16, 1922 to James A. and Reba Johnson. Died November 20, 2008 in North Bend, WA after a long illness.
He entered the Army Air Corp out of Washington State College in 1943. He served in WWII as a P-51 Mustang Pilot in the 364th Fighter Group, 8th Air Force in Honington, England. Following his discharge from the Army he was recalled four years later during the Korean War. Gordon then served in the US Air Force for 21 years. He married his high school sweetheart Isabell Bunnell in 1944.
Beloved father of Chris Dan Grina of North Bend, Bruce Cathie Johnson of Fresno, CA and Carol Jim Glenn of Spokane, WA; grandfather of 6 and great-grandfather of 5.
Committal ceremony with full military honors 1:30 PM, Friday, November 28, 2008 at Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.
Please sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bonneywatson.com.
Great friend, Outstanding Officer & Gentleman.
Wishing you peace at this time of sorrow!
My husband and I send our deepest sympathy to all the family and friends of Lt. Col. James Johnson. May God Bless you.
I am a greater person today Granddad from having you in my life for 40 years. Your influence has shaped the man I’ve become. Everyone should be as lucky to have a hero to look up growing up. I love you and will miss you greatly.
-Doug
Granddad was a tremendous role model in the true sense of the word. He commanded respect in every which way but had one of the funniest sense of humors I have ever experienced. He leaves behind a loving family that will miss him each and every day.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Judy & Roger
To all the Johnson family: My deepest condolances for your loss! Unfortuneately for me, I have not seen “the little Giant” for years, but have nothing but the fondest memories of our first meeting back at WSU when Chris and I were next door to each other in the dorm, our get together at Vandenberg AFB when my parents and I came for a visit, at his home up by the airport and at Chris and Dan’s wedding. What a great man and wonderful father, husband and friend. I’m truly blessed to have known him. Unable to be at the service, but send my love to all of you at this time!! Patti Farrell Church
I considered it an honor though only being able to know this ‘giant killer’ for a short time…being his neighbor at the “Bluffs”…we were fortunate to be able to hear a few of his wonderful stories and sensed a deep caring in his words whether in joy or jest! We will miss him, and wish only the best for Isabell.
Arnold Candray, Lt Col, USAF
Gordy was well known as a good man his whole life. I’ve known the family as far back as my memory goes. Gordy was a positive influencing factor in my life as he was for many. I still remember his positive influence encouraging me to finish college in 1969. Gordy extended his positive influence to many. The legacy of charactar he leaves is a good one and the world would be better off with another hundred men just like him.
My very best,
Tom Hall
Gordon was a very kind and generous person, we were lucky to have known him.
Corky was a man anyone would be proud to know ~ patriotic, proud of his family, steadfast in his beliefs and a true friend. Our parents were good friends beginning in high school and our families have been close for many years. Our love and prayers to all the Johnson Family. We are better for having known this wonderful man — your husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Betty Ann Hall
Bev and John Ehlers
Glee and John Schmidt