Reverend Jimmy (Jim) Ivan Johnson, a cherished man known for his kindness, wisdom, faith in the Lord and the love of his family, went to rest with our heavenly Father on August 31, 2024. Jim was born on October 19, 1943, to the most loving parents, Ivan and Opal (Caudill) Johnson, and lived life to its fullest by sharing the good news of Jesus, enjoying time with his children and grandchildren, his loving wife Lynda, all while sneaking in a few rounds of golf with his friends.
Jim grew up in Fleming County, Kentucky and graduated from Fleming County High School in 1961. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in social studies and psychology. He taught high school at schools in Fleming County, and Warren County. He owned the Johnson Army Surplus store in downtown Bowling Green. When Jim was younger, he was an avid hunter and raised bird dogs. He felt called to attend seminary and became a minister. Jim was honored to serve as the pastor to several church congregations across Warren, Grayson, Breckenridge, and Logan counties over the years. He touched the lives of many throughout his ministry.
Jim and his wife Lynda were married on November 1, 1986 in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They have spent the last 37 years raising their beautiful family, making wonderful church friends while serving at churches across south central Kentucky, traveling with friends, and enjoying the love of one another. Jim and Lynda currently reside in Bowling Green, Kentucky and attend The Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green.
Jim loved his family fiercely and was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He was always interested in hearing about their lives, interests and activities. He was never bored of hearing their stories. He always encouraged and supported the children in all of their endeavors. He was an exceptionally loving papaw.
Jim passed the love of golf that he learned from his parents on to his own sons, Rick and Tom. He loved chatting with his sons about their recent rounds of golf, and reminiscing about past golf matches. Together, they’ve enjoyed many rounds of golf across the state of Kentucky. Jim also had many golfing buddies that he enjoyed spending time with and had weekly standing tee times.
Jim was also an avid University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University football and basketball fan. Most of all, Jim was a loyal Cincinnati Reds fan – almost never missing a game on TV in his later years.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Opal (Caudill) and Ivan Johnson; his brother, Danny Johnson and his wife Dana; and his beautiful daughter, Sally Ann (Johnson) Butler.
He is survived by his wife Lynda (Flowers) Johnson, his sons Rick, and wife Celia; and Tom Johnson, and wife Jennifer; Grandchildren Adam Butler and wife Casey; Blake Johnson and wife Dakota; Josh Johnson and fiancé Sydney Goldstein; Sara Hoyt and husband Adam; Maddie Stanek and husband Jackson; Allie Vawryk and husband Dr. Peter; Dr. Reid Johnson and fiancé Dr. Lauren Phillips; Joanna Johnson, Katherine Johnson, Mary Johnson, Martha Johnson and Lexi Johnson as well as great grandchildren Sally Ann Butler, Trenton Butler, Hayden Johnson, Cash Johnson, Layne Hoyt, Amelia Hoyt, Aliza Hoyt, Emma Kay Johnson, Sophie Johnson and Fisher Stanek.
Visitation will be Thursday September 5, 2024 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Friday September 6, 2024 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at The Presbyterian Church. Funeral Service will be Friday at 11:00 AM followed by inurnment in the Bowling Green Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 1003 State Street, Bowling Green, KY 42101.
J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel have been entrusted with arrangements.