Russell James Johnson passed away peacefully on April 19th, 2012 after a brief illness at the Washington Veterans Home in Retsil, Washington.
Russell was born on November 24, 1912 in Manfred, ND to Malena and John Johnson. He attended school and farmed in Manfred prior to enlisting in the US Army in 1934. He served in the 59th Coast Artillery in the Philippines. In 1941 he reenlisted to serve in the Medical Corps where he would spend time in Australia and again in the Philippines. Between periods of service he married his former wife, Mary and built his family, including their four sons. He raised his family in the Seattle area and became a long time resident and friend to many on Vashon Island.
Russell enjoyed nothing more than long conversations with his friends and family. He had many tales to share about his army days, his work in a Seattle sawmill or the Bremerton shipyards, his farming and hunting experiences, world travels, romances and many other adventures over the years. He also greatly enjoyed corresponding with his far flung nieces, nephews and friends via his trusty manual type writer and those who knew him well knew that he was a prodigious letter writer. He was very much a self-taught man; learning through a lifelong love of reading that continued until his death. In this and many other ways he was a great inspiration to those around him.
He will be remembered for his direct and frank outlook on life, his overflowing humor and goodwill, but most of all he will be remembered with love.
Russell is preceded in death by his parents and 6siblings. He is survived by his four sons: John, Russell (wife Judy), Terry and Chuck (wife Diane), 8 grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and very many beloved nieces, nephews and friends. A brief service will take place on May 4th at 1:00 p.m. at the Tahoma National Cemetery at 18600 SE 240th Street, Kent, WA 98042. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Manfred History and Preservation, Inc. (MHP) at PO Box 321, Harvey, North Dakota 58341
Paid Obituary.
