James Albert Johnson

James “Jim” Albert Johnson died peacefully at Benefis Hospital on June 7, 2018 in Great Falls at the age of 73. Jim is survived by his lifetime companion, soulmate, and caregiver, Theresa (Albingier) Johnson; daughter Kelli Irene (Luke) MacDonald; two granddaughters, sister Janet Johnson (Bill) Wilson; sister-in-law Carol Johnson; brothers-in-law Gerard John Albingier and Joe (Midori) Albinger; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Donald Johnson; and stepsister Alice and her husband, Carl Nielsen; brothers-in-law Stephan Holland and Michael Andrew Albinger. Jim was born on August, 8, 1944 in the old Columbus Hospital on 2nd Ave N to Erwin and Mildred Johnson. He went to Lincoln and Roosevelt Elementary School in Great Falls, Kemper Military Academy in Boones Ville, Missouri, and college in Missoula. He worked as a loan officer for Bison Ford and then U.S. Bank until his retirement. He struggled with Multiple Sclerosis for over 54 years. He was diagnosed at the age of 19. You never heard him complain and he tried to make others feel better. The nurses at Westview and all the CNAs said that he had a smile that would light up a room. He would always say “Thank you, please, and thank you for working with me,” things that the staff rarely heard from others. Ted Kline always came to see Jim on Mondays and said Jim was the one that gave him a lift and a smile until next Monday. Ken Ravenscroft and his wife came every Sunday, Dave and Karen Rowland came with pizza, beer, and baked goods. Marty Harvie, MJ, Jean, and Crystal helped with visits, and van and wheelchair repairs. Jim always said, “Even though he had MS, the Lord gave him a wonderful life and you can’t ask for anything more.” He had a heart of gold and was loved by so many. When Jim was younger he enjoyed boating, water skiing, fishing, hunting, watching stock car racing, and listening to books on tape. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He mentored younger people on financial matters and even doctors that took care of him asked for advice on their stocks. He volunteered to drive his van with a partner to deliver Meals on Wheels. He also volunteered on the city board to give out grants to various projects. Most of all, he listened to everyone he met. Theresa would like to extend her thanks to Peter Gray, Sue Warren, emergency room staff, transport persons, all staff on the 6th and 7th floor of Benefis Hospital for all their care and support. She would also like to thank Dr. Bergman, Dr. Johnson in wound care, Dr. Eisenhauer, Dr. Singh, all the nurses and staff at Benefis East and Westview, and those I might have missed. A celebration of life will be Saturday, July 7, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Jim, I will love you forever until we meet again.