James "Jim" Johnson

James “Jim” Byron Johnson was a “small-town guy”, proud of the fact that he came from a little area called Friendswood, north of Mooresville. While he referred to himself as “just Jim”, his family and friends knew him to be an exceptionally loving, dependable, and loyal person. He proudly served in the United States Navy.

Born on October 6, 1932 in Seymour, Indiana to Ebenezer and Agnes (Highcamp) Johnson, Jim was one of six children. Ebenezer and Agnes worked hard to raise Jim, along with his siblings, Vern, Jacqueline, Jerry, Susie and Dottie. Ebenezer supported the family while Agnes stayed home to care for the children and run the household. The years in which Jim grew up were difficult years for most Americans. However, The Great Depression and World War II years that followed, were instrumental in forming the hard work ethic and patriotism of Jim’s generation. Jim played with his siblings and friends and attended the nearly school. He also became a member of 4-H, where he proudly showed pigs at the county fair and went hunting with his friends when he had the chance.

After graduating from Plainfield High School, Jim found work as a drywall contractor. This was something he was especially good at, and later, Jim opened and ran his own business, Jim Johnson Drywall. Jim worked for forty-three years in his business, earning a reputation in the community for his dedication to service and his “swirled ceilings”.

When Jim wasn’t working, he did find time to go out with friends. He met someone and they fell in love and were married, bringing three beautiful children into the world: Tim, Michelle and Debbie. Sadly, their marriage didn’t last and ended in divorce.

Luckily, Jim had a second chance at love, running into a lady named Carroll, at the local grocery store. She offered her condolences, on the recent death of his father and struck by her thoughtfulness, Jim asked her out to dinner. (Little did Carroll realize that that simple act of kindness would result in a proposal and many happy years of marriage)! They were married on October 16, 1995.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed gardening; using the skills he had learned in his youth to grow tomatoes. Jim relished the fresh tomato juice that Carroll made from the garden produce every year. As well as keeping up with life-long friendships, Jim also enjoyed NASCAR, especially if Dale Earnhardt was racing. He was a member of the American Legion in Mooresville and was a charter member of the Plainfield Eagles.

In his quieter moments, Jim could be found listening to country music, music from the forties, and easy listening. He also enjoyed reading and watching the antics of the nearby squirrels while hanging out in his garage.

When they had the chance, Jim and Carroll would head for the West, where they could enjoy the spectacular scenery and each other’s company. There was no other place in the world that Jim would rather be, unless it was home.

Tragically, just four weeks ago, Jim was diagnosed with cancer. He fought bravely against the cancer and in the end; Jim was surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was the kind of man his family could depend on, not only for financial support, but for love and encouragement as well. He was the owner of his own business for forty-three years. He was a true outdoors man who put his gardening skills to good use. Jim was a friendly, outgoing guy, who kept up with life-long friendships. Most importantly, he was a family man. He will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

James “Jim” Byron Johnson, age 76, of Mooresville, died May 11, 2009, in residence, surrounded by his loving family. Surviving are, his wife Carroll (Selke) Davidson Johnson; son Tim Johnson (Rochella) of Avon; daughter, Michelle Johnson of Plainfield; stepsons, Greg Davidson (Rhonda) of Mooresville, Brian Davidson (Linda) of Mooresville; Brother, Vern Johnson of Franklin; sisters, Jaqueline Kays of Mooresville, Jerry Lou Jones of Plainfield, Susie Craven of Indianapolis, eight grandchildren and fifteen grandchildren. Proceeding in death are his parents, Ebenezer and Agnes (Highcamp) Johnson, daughter, Debbie Bryan and sister, Dottie Byrnes.

Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Carlisle and Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville.

Funeral Service: 10 a.m., Thursday, May 14, 2009 at Carlisle and Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. Burial will be at Fairfield Friends Cemetery, Friendswood. Officiating will be Rev. Kelly Carter. Memorial Contributions: Ruth Lilly Hospice.

You are invited to visit www.carlisleandson.com to share a favorite memory or sign the online guest registry.