James O. Johnson, 83, of Merrill, passed away Friday, November 25, 2022, at Woodland Court Elder Services, Merrill. James was born February 3, 1939, in Eau Claire, son of the late Clarence and Georgine (Bergerson) Johnson. He married Darlene R. Stevens on May 2, 1964, in Eau Claire. She survives. After graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison, James went to work for the Bendix Corp. as a traveling auditor. He and Darlene traveled from the East coast to the West coast and many places in between. After two years in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, he came back to Wausau, Wisconsin and worked for Drott, until they moved, and later came to work in Merrill at the Weinbrenner Shoe Company. James enjoyed basketball, football, and golf. He loved to hunt small and big game animals.
James is survived by his wife, Darlene Johnson; son, Steven (Jodi) Johnson; grandchildren, Christian and Kiley; sisters, Jean (Ron) Holman and Joan Will; brother, Jerry (Mary) Johnson; sister-in-law, Joyce Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. James was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Georgine Johnson; son, Scott Johnson; brother, John Johnson; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Orville and Ruth Stevens; and brothers-in-law, Charles Will, Harold Stevens, and Lyle Stevens.
A private funeral service for James was held. Burial took place at Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com