James Dale Johnson

James Dale Johnson, 73, of Osceola, IN, passed away October 9, 22, at South Bend Memorial Hospital. James was born on September 14, 1949, to the late Dale B. and Opal (Hudson) Johnson. On October 3, 1970, he married his childhood sweetheart Shirley Murphy.

Surviving along with his wife are 3 children, Renae Johnson (fiancé Al Stohler), Randy Johnson, Ryan (Jane) Johnson, 6 grandchildren, Justin, Morgan, Mallory, Bryce, Laila, Kloey, and one great grandchild, Vivian. Siblings, Beverly (Paul) Garcia of Corona, CA, Bonnie Larsen of Grand Rapids, MI, and David Johnson.

Preceding in death is a sister Barbara Kimberling.

Jim enjoyed working throughout his life. After high school, he joined the Marines. He built new homes from 1978 -1992 and became a home inspector. In the 1990 – 2003, built and operated Bittersweet Storage. Jim and his son Ryan were owner/operators of Mold Finders. Jim and Shirley attended Granger Missionary Church where he was an usher and oversaw the new addition with Majority and Pastor Bob Renner. In 2007, he started attending St. Mark Missionary and served on the board since 2009, member of the building committee, and provided oversight of the remodel project of the old horse barn to its current structure along with other church members. He loved doing the Lord’s work wherever he could.

In his spare time, he loved to go boating on Lake Michigan, St. Joe Michigan, and the St. Joe River. Jim was a huge motorcycle enthusiast and raced one at Osceola Motor Speedway. He drove across the country in a mini motorhome to have Christmas with his siter’s family. He liked playing and or telling jokes. He was a Notre Dame fan. Jim loved camping with his grandchildren, family, and friends. Jim truly lived the God, Country, and Notre Dame way of life. Jim loved his family more than anything. He will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held Saturday November 5, 2022, at 1 pm at St. Marks Missionary Church 55240 Bittersweet Rd, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Pastor John Gregory will officiate. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service are assisting the family with arrangements.

In his memory the family would like donations to be made to the Pet Refuge at https://www.petrefuge.com/donate.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of James’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.