Dr. James ‘Jim’ Sydney Johnson

BOWLING GREEN – Dr. James Sydney Johnson (Jim), esteemed Professor Emeritus, devoted husband, loving father, and cherished grandfather, passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2024, at the age of 91. He was surrounded by his family and friends at Hospice of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green.

Born on April 5th, 1932, Jim was the son of Henry Albert Johnson and Ruby Belle Markham Johnson. He grew up in a large and loving family, sharing his childhood with nine siblings: Lila, Bruce, William, OE, Dorothy, Harold, Joleene, Norris, and Dan. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and compassion.

Jim, a veteran of the United States Navy and the Korean War, dedicated his life to education and academia. After receiving his BS and MS Degrees at WKU and EdD at Peabody, Jim served as a professor at Western Kentucky University for over four decades, where he inspired countless students with his passion for learning and his dedication to excellence. His impact on the university community and beyond will be remembered for generations to come.

In 1963, Jim married the love of his life, Anna Jo Brown Johnson, whom he met while at his first job prior to his doctoral studies and after his masters teaching science at TC Cherry. Their enduring love and partnership spanned 61 years, a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.

Jim’s spirit of service extended far and wide. He was an active member of the Rotary Club since 1980, where he served as president of the Bowling Green Noon Rotary. Fittingly, he served 8 years on the Hospice of Southern Kentucky Board of Directors. Jim was an active member of State Street United Methodist Church for over 50 years serving as Sunday school superintendent and other committees. He coached the Parks and Rec Tee-Ball Cardinals for 6 years for both his sons.

And the highlight of his sporting life was coaching the East Little League Astros with Dr. Jerry Sullivan when they went 13-1, won the league, and was selected as an All-Star coach.

Alongside his beloved Anna Jo, Jim co-chaired the Bowling Green Street Fair, leaving an indelible mark on the community he cherished. Jim was a devoted father to his two sons, Jim and Joseph. He took great pride in their accomplishments and supported them wholeheartedly in all their endeavors.

His love and guidance were steadfast, serving as a source of strength and inspiration throughout their lives. He taught them to “take care of yourself, be good to other people, and amount to something.”

As a grandfather, Jim found immeasurable joy in the presence of his four grandchildren Caroline and Luke (children of Joseph and Katharine Klapheke), and James and Sydney (children of Jim and Catherine Stutzner). He cherished every moment spent with them, imparting wisdom, laughter, and endless love.

Jim’s legacy of kindness, laughter, wisdom, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His impact on the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and students will be remembered with fondness and gratitude.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Jo Brown Johnson; her twin sister Clarice Hill; his sons, James Norris (Catherine) and Joseph Sydney; his grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Jim’s life and legacy on February 24, 2024, 11:00 AM at State Street United Methodist Church with visitation Friday evening from 3:00-6:00 PM in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Lucille and C.O. Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund of the College Heights Foundation at Western Kentucky University, Hospice of Southern Kentucky, or State Street United Methodist Church Missions. Jim’s presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.