Obituary: Johns, James R.
Age 81
JOHNS,
James R.
(Age 81)
June 4, 1931- July 17, 2012
Jim had many family visitors on the last day of his life, July 17, 2012.
He had appeared to be rallying to defy death one more time, but his heart was functioning at 10 per cent, and life became too difficult to go on.
Jim was born on June 4, 1931, in Spokane, to Fred and Christine Johns.
He was raised by his mother and Aunt Mathilde, after his father died in 1937 from WWI gas and pneumonia.
The family home life remained strong, and Jim had a happy, loving childhood with older siblings, Hal and Jean.
Jim’s career spanned 40 years at KHQ Television as a TV director, a position he excelled at and deeply enjoyed.
He made many friends at KHQ and Pinnacle Productions, enjoying their camaraderie on the golf course as well.
He retired in 1991 due to health problems that required a leg amputation in 1985.
In spite of having one leg, Jim amazed everyone with what he accomplished.
He was especially talented in woodworking, and single handedly remodeled his 1927 home with new kitchens, baths, siding, wall paper, and two decks.
He was the best handyman any wife could ask for.
He could lay out a dress pattern that seemed impossible to fit on the allowed yardage.
He was very mechanically gifted.
Jim graduated from Gonzaga Prep and attended Gonzaga University, intending to major in engineering, but instead joined the Navy Seebees and single-handedly won the Korean War, according to his accounting.
Jim’s biggest joy was his love of his wife and children, and he treasured time spent with them, particularly trips to Florida to visit daughter Nancy.
Jim remained married to his one true love, Carol, for 46 years.
In addition to Carol, he is survived by son, Michael Johns, Renton, WA; daughter, Nancy Johns, Altamonte Springs, FL; the apple of his eye since her birth, his sole grandchild, Karalee Johns, 15, Renton, WA.
Jim is also survived by brother, Harold Johns, (Dodie) of Spokane; nephews, Steve Johns, Spokane; and Gary Johns, CA; niece Kathy Person, Reno, NV; and nephew John Mason, Spokane Valley.
Jim was predeceased by his sister, Jean Mason.
A fun celebration of Jim’s life is scheduled for August 11th at 4PM at the family home.