James "J.J." Russell Johnson

James Russell “J.J.” Johnson passed away at peace, surrounded by his loved ones on October 1, 2015 in Bozeman, Mt. at the age of 71.

Jim was born July 9, 1944 in Great Falls, MT. to Grace (Miller) and Cecil Johnson. Jim was the baby of 11 children. Jim spent his youth racing cars and raising Hell, and as a result, he graduated Summer School from Great Falls High School, ready to release unto the world his coolness.

Following family tradition, Jim joined the family profession of working for the Anaconda Company. After deciding that the world needed to be explored, Jim joined the Navy and went off to Vietnam. After 2 years, he returned to his home town and went back to work for the Anaconda Company.

While cruising and checking out the locals at the local A&W, he set his sight on a young carhop, and told his friend that he was “gonna marry her”. Sure enough, 3 months later on September 30, 1966, he married Maybelle Mary “Babe” Lear. Their honeymoon baby, Russell James was born 9 months later and, to make their happy family complete, Sandra Kay joined them in 1970.

Jim, an admitted Jack of All Trades and Master of None, spent the next couple decades working for the Smelter, grave digger, cleaning bars, Rocky Sweater company and finally MT. Power Company. His career took him to Ennis, MT., where he enjoyed helping raise 2 outstanding young men, his grandsons, Brodie and Brady Cornett. He eventually retired from PPL. He spent his retirement helping any friend and family in need and spreading his infectious smile and laughter with all who were blessed to share a laugh with him.

Jim loved his family so much and was a amazing son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and uncle.

He became ill in 2010, and in his words, “Growing old ain’t for sissies”. After a strong fight, Jim decided that Heaven was ready for his helping hand.

He leaves behind his devoted wife of 49 years, Babe, daughter Sandi and her sons Brodie (fiancee Melissa) and Brady, son Russ (Valerie) and their son Rhys, sister Millie (Gil) and her family, and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Your love of life will be sorely missed. Enjoy those casinos in the sky! At his request, no services are to be held, but raise a glass in his memory and remember him fondly.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.