James A. Johnson, 80, of Chesterton, passed away Friday November 7, 2008 at VNA Horton Hospice Center, Valparaiso.

He was born August 14, 1928 in Blandford, Ind. the son of George and Carrie (Rigsby) Johnson.

On September 3, 1949 in Clinton, Ind. he married Marian E. Thompson who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, Donald M. (Pat) Johnson of Chesterton; daughters, Donna Kay Bailey of Maryland, Mary K. (Kenneth) Grcich of Valparaiso, Janice A. (Jerome) Grskovic of Michigan City, and, Darlene D. (Ron Reedy) Ramsey of Valparaiso; brothers, Lige (Pat) Johnson, Chuck (Rosie) Johnson; sisters, Ann Sanders, Jane Johnson and Helen Ammerman; 11 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a member of the Chesterton American Legion Post 170 and a charter member of the Chesterton Moose Lodge #1623. He worked as an electrician for U.S. Steel, retiring after 25 years, he also owned Johnson Construction in Chesterton.

Funeral services, Pastor Barry Thornton officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday November 11, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home 517 Broadway, Chesterton. Cremation will be at Heritage Crematory, Portage.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Monday Nov. 10, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County or to the charity of the donor’s choice. www.EE-FH.com

Posted 11/10/2008