Obituary: James Johnson

James Joseph Johnson, 22, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away at his home Nov. 14, 2024. James was a humble, affectionate and dedicated individual who always put the needs of others ahead of himself.

James was born to Kathy and Dan Johnson on April 1, 2002, in Duluth. James lived at his country home in Mahtowa with his family until Jan. 1, 2024.

James was a 2020 graduate of Barnum High School, and a 2022 graduate of Lake Superior College, with a degree in aviation maintenance. James took multiple written, oral and practical tests to earn a federal airframe and powerplant license in 2023. James was employed as an aviation mechanic at Sun Country Airlines at the time of his death.

James was a proud member and leader of the Barnum Bombatrons robotics building team from 2016 to 2020. James was also an avid outdoorsman who liked to swim, fish, hunt and cut firewood. James enjoyed his many family trips with his mom, dad and brothers, with his two favorites being Washington, D.C. and Rainy Lake. James was an accomplished woodsman and handyman, and enjoyed working with his hands.

James was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Deane Larson; paternal grandfather, Carl Johnson; uncle Duane Johnson; and cousin Darren Larson.

James will be greatly missed by his loving parents, Kathy and Daniel Johnson; siblings, Jason Johnson (Rayna Kuha) and Jeremiah Johnson; grandmothers, Betty Larson and Janet Johnson; aunt, Kim (Timothy) Davidson; uncles Tim (Jessica) Larson, David Johnson and Darrell Johnson (Karin Weller); cousins Sarah Johnson, Eli Johnson, Anja Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Zoey Johnson, Nikota Larson, Claire Johnson, Brayden Davidson, Jillian Grott, Weston Davidson, and Nolan Davidson; special best friends, Sam Cloutier and Mark Fairbanks; and special neighbors, Dave Jurek and Paul and Elena Oberleitner.

James's smile, sense of humor, and personality lit up a room and brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered. His passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew and loved him. James's memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those lives he impacted in a positive way. His kind heart to help everyone, his loyalty, his dedication and his unforgettable lovable personality will live on forever.

A Celebration of Life will be in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Barnum Dollars for Scholars in memory of James Johnson.

Arrangements by Atkins-Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, visit http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 29, 2024