James F. Johnson

PORTAGE –  James F. Johnson, age 59, of Portage, died on Friday, May 25, 2012 at UW-Hospital in Madison.

Jim was born on July 27, 1952 in Madison, the son of Vernon “James” and Mary Ann (Schultz) Johnson.  He was employed at Spartech in Portage for over 17 years. Jim was one of the most selfless people and the greatest father and friend anyone could ever have.  He loved being outdoors, fishing, camping with his family, and especially boating on Lake Wisconsin.   

Jim is survived by his son, Dan (Kathy Sobolik) Johnson, and their son, Daniel Jr., Portage;  his daughter, Rebecca “Heather” (Brent) Watters, and their children, Grace Margaret and Michael Patrick Watters, Pardeeville;  his best friend and the mother of his children, Laurie Burdine, Portage;  his mother, Mary Ann Liddecoat, Hurley;  two brothers, Jon (Laura) Johnson, Poynette, and Paul (Shelly) Johnson, Poynette;  two sisters, Chris (Jim) Mraz, Madison, and Julie (Dave) Kutz Guitzkow, Waunakee;  his close friends, Jason LaBelle, Portage, and Shane Burdine;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.  He was preceded in death by his father, James, and his grandmother, Margaret Adamec.

A memorial picnic for family and friends will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 1:00 p.m., at the home of Jim’s niece, Amy Schultz, W11680 Cty. V, Lodi, WI.  Please feel free to join us.

The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.