James Irving Johnson 1916 ~ 2003 James Irving Johnson passed away peacefully on July 28, 2003.He was born on October 26, 1916, to Arthur Everett and Sylvia Beach Johnson in Greensburg, Kansas. Jim was also preceded in death by his sisters, Helen Coberly and Mildred Burke. A lifelong fan of the KU "Jayhawks", Jim graduated from the University of Kansas in 1940. He proudly served as an officer in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during World War II. Jim married Elizabeth Louise Walker (Betty) in 1951. Jim and Betty spent 52 wonderful years together. Jim had a long and successful career as a petroleum geologist. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and of the Utah Geological Association. Jim was a longtime member and elder of Cottonwood Presbyterian Church. Along with Betty, Jim's family includes a daughter, Meherban (Mahan) and grandchildren Kartar and Sat Kirtan of Salt Lake City; and a son, James (Pat) and grandchildren Aaron, Kristyn and Jesse of Seattle. Jim also has loving cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. A memorial celebration of Jim's life will take place on Saturday, August 9, 4 p.m., at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, 1580 East Vine Street (6100 South), Salt Lake City. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, CareSource Hospice, or Utahns Against Hunger.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from July 30 to Aug. 6, 2003