James C. Johnson

He was born Aug. 29, 1943, in Florence, Wis., son of the late Clarence Leonard and Dora Mae (Bailey) Johnson. James grew up and attended school in Alpha. After graduating in 1961, James worked for A&P in Crystal Falls and then went on to work at Angelis Super Value in Iron River for many years.

He married Vivian M. Vassar on Sept. 19, 1970, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Florence. Together, they owned and operated Jim’s IGA in Florence. Later on, James worked at Econo Foods in Iron Mountain for 13 years as a butcher.

James was the life of the Stager Lake area for 81 years, affectionately known as the “Mayor of Stager Lake,” and will be deeply missed by many friends and family. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, who fondly nicknamed him “Bumpa.”

James rang the school bell for his grandson’s football games for 20 years. James would love it when his friends stopped by and visited him under his tent, which he set up during the summer. He enjoyed cutting firewood, his animals on the farm, his hunting buddies from lower Michigan, and his day trips with special friends, including Chris, Ethel, Bob, and Al, as well as Bob Black.

James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Vivian; two daughters, Rhonda Mae (Bill) Barribeau, and Denise Marie (David) Schuirmann; one sister, Lila Harrington of Madison, Wis.; grandchildren, Tony (Taylor) Wheeler, Toby (Maya) Wheeler, James Schuirmann, Noah (Aaliyah) Schuirmann, Jacob Barribeau and Emily Barribeau; great-grandchildren, Braxton, Londyn, Micah, Charlette, Georgia, Azreil, Rowaan, and Ivadell; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Lloyd (Josette) Vassar, Donna (Jim) Gunville, Debra (John) Joslyn, Gary Vassar, Steve Vassar, Donald (Paula) Vassar, Mary (Matt) Dagastino, Lawrence Vassar and Rudy (Lisa) Vassar; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Suheski, Lulu Philips, and Donna Johnson; his infant twin sisters, Beth and Betty Johnson; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Donald and Marian Vassar; and his brothers-in-law, Ronald and Neil Vassar.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Aspirus Hospital in Iron River, and Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, Wis., for the wonderful care they provided to James while he was in their care. They would also like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care in Woodruff, the ICU nursing staff of Wausau, and Flight for Life of Aspirus of Wausau for their care and compassion.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 23, from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home in Florence. A Memorial Service will follow at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Soja Joseph will officiate.

The family will be gathering at the Florence Community Center in Florence immediately following the service.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to James’ family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services to honor James’ legacy of life.