James Christian "Chris" Johnson

James Johnson Obituary James Christian "Chris" Johnson, age 65, of Herrin, Illinois, passed away Tuesday evening, October 29, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Monday, May 4, 1959, in Augsburg, Germany, a son of Jesse Carl and Cara (Hatcher) Johnson. His father, who was stationed in Germany at the time of his birth, was a multiple purple heart recipient, a fact that Chris was quite proud of.

After receiving a discharge from the United States Navy himself, Chris obtained his Geological Sciences degree from Texas State University at Brownsville. He worked as a mud engineer in the oil fields of Texas and Louisiana. In the 1980's, he transitioned to the hospitality industry where he managed hotel properties and conducted motivational training. In the 1990's, Chris moved to Southern Illinois and pursued nursing, receiving his associates degree from John A Logan College. He worked as a registered nurse for more than 17 years at LHC Home Health. His nursing career led him to medical mission trips to Kenya, Uganda, and Yemen.

He married the love of his life, Donna Jo Roberts May 30, 2013 in Marion.

Chris loved hiking, camping, whitewater rafting in the Ozarks, and international travel to such places as Egypt, Mexico, and Europe. He loved to cook, especially on the smoker. He was also a Star Trek fan.

Having the sweetest soul, Chris adored his family. He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife- Donna Jo Johnson; son- Nicholas Christian Johnson; daughter- Jennifer Rosemary (Alexander) Pape; daughter, Julianna West Johnson; two grandchildren- Theloninius "Theo" Arthur Pape and Penelope Rosemary Pape; three bonus sons- Stephen Foshee, Ryan (Emilee) Pena, and Santos Pena; four bonus grandchildren- Ilah, Natilie, Silas, and Rhea Foshee; his first wife and mother of his son and two daughters- Phylis Anne West; and his brother- Johnny Johnson. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a time of visitation from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, located at 201 S. 13th Street in Herrin. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, 3:00 PM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.

For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Residential Hospice or the National Kidney Foundation. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the services or by mail to: Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home; 201 S. 13th Street; PO Box 429; Herrin, IL 62948.

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to have been called to serve the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.

Services
Visitation
Saturday
November 2, 2024
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948

Funeral
Saturday
November 2, 2024
3:00 PM
Johnson-Hughes Funeral
Home
201 South 13th Street
Herrin, IL 62948

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