Today, I write to commemorate the life of a remarkable man – my father, Jim Johnson. As we remember him, I find comfort in reflecting on the deep lessons and cherished memories he imparted to us during his time on this earth.

Dad was a man of the land, spending his formative years on a farm during the tumultuous Depression years of the 1930s. He was on call every single day of the year, tending tirelessly to the animals, barns, and crops that characterized his family’s livelihood. Whether he was chopping or storing feed, gauging the nutritional status of livestock, or assisting with the birthing of a new calf, Dad was always busy on the farm. His hands laboring in the soil while his heart remained open to the joys of life, and that mindset taught us, his children, what it meant to be committed and steadfast.

The arduous work of farm life instilled in our father vital character lessons, shaping not just the man he became but also the father we were blessed to have. He taught us the importance of reflective listening, the value of honoring one’s parents, and how perseverance and a strong work ethic could carry us through the hardest of times. More than anything, he imparted the notion of finding joy in the moment and embracing gratitude for life’s nuanced blessings, even during times of hardship.

Growing up, Dad was not only a figure of strength but also a source of unwavering support. He placed a great emphasis on building meaningful relationships with us. I fondly remember our days spent enjoying ball games, singing, playing board games, constructing tent forts, enjoying park outings and picnics with Dad and helping him tend his in-town garden plot. When I stumbled and faced setbacks, like learning to ride my bike, it was Dad’s encouragement that kept me going. He taught me resilience, emphasizing that each fall was simply a step closer to mastering my balance.

A pivotal moment came on my first day at a new school when I felt the weight of anxiety and apprehension. Dad, ever the skilled, informal paraprofessional counselor, took the time to invite me into his routine. Hanging clothes on the clothes line became our special time together, a chance to discuss my fears and brainstorm solutions. He encouraged me to sit in the front row of class, to review and take diligent notes from the teacher’s overhead projector sheets, and to put in the extra hours required to catch up. His patience and wisdom propelled me forward, ultimately leading me to achieve my academic goals and earn a place on the Dean’s list during college – a milestone he was immensely proud of.

As he faced his own health struggles, battling cancer that would eventually take him away, my heart swelled with joy on the day of my college graduation when my sister pushed him in a wheelchair to see me cross that stage and receive my Associate in Arts Degree! It was a testament to his love and dedication, a reflection of who he was – someone who poured himself into his family and believed in us every step of the way.

Dad’s influence went beyond academics: he continually encouraged us to use our gifts in service for God, nurturing our spiritual lives and guiding us to develop our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The lessons he imparted are marks of love and strength that I carry with me, shaping who I am today.

As we remember our father, let us hold tightly to the legacy he leaves behind – one of resilience, kindness, and love that knows no bounds. Dad was our mentor, our cheerleader, and guide. Though he will be sorely missed, I pray that we will honor Dad’s memory by consistently reflecting the lessons he modeled and taught us throughout the course of our lives.

With love always and throughout eternity, Donna