James A. Johnson, 69 of Middle Point, Ohio, died at 8:20 a.m., Saturday March 7, 2015 at the Lima Manor Nursing Home, only recently being moved there (Lima Manor) after spending seven months at St. Rita's, the Cleveland Clinic and Kindred Hospital in Lima following complications from surgery. He was born on March 22, 1945 in Massillon, Ohio, and grew up in Mt. Eaton, the son of the late Albert and Gladys (Rodocker) Johnson. Besides his parents he was also preceded in death by a beloved aunt, Alice Rodocker, who had lived with them. On April 6, 1965, he married Nancy D. (Flory) who survives. Family survivors include his wife, Nancy; son, Michael Johnson of Venendocia; three daughters, Jennifer Johnson of Wooster, Ohio, Tammy Johnson of Van Wert, and Laura Johnson of Middle Point; brother, John (Karen) Johnson of York, PA; and three granddaughters, Vanessa, Miranda, & Larissa Johnson. His extended family includes brother and sister-in-law, Judy (Ron) Reinking of Wooster, Ohio and Robert (Darla) Flory of Apple Creek, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim graduated from Waynedale High School in Apple Creek where he excelled in football, baseball and wrestling. He attended Ashland University for three years and played football there. He then chose to become an Ohio State Highway Patrolman and was assigned to the Castalia Post on the Ohio Turnpike after graduating from the Patrol Academy in 1966. He was promoted to Sergeant and was moved to the Van Wert Post in 1974 and retired in 1993 after 26 years of service. He then drove school bus for Lincolnview Schools and was a teacher's aide for fifteen years. Jim was a member of the Van Wert F.O.P Lodge No. 62. He also served as past Chairman of the Trustees at the Middle Point United Methodist Church and was a past member of the Middle Point Town Council. He was a NASCAR fan and followed NFL football. One of his dreams was fulfilled on the 50th birthday when he attended the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Walt Disney World Speedway where he got to actually drive a NASCAR racing car. He also liked to ride his motorcycle when the warm weather returned. Some summers he rode to North Dakota to visit his father's relatives there. He only got to enjoy one year of retirement at his place in Charlotte Harbor, Florida. He loved the warm weather and was able to boat and fish most days and made new friends. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2 p.m. at Cowan & Son Funeral Home Funeral Home officiated by Pastor Tim Owens of Middle Point United Methodist Church. Visitation is scheduled for Friday, 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour ahead of service on Saturday. Interment is at Ridge Cemetery in Ridge Township, Van Wert County, Ohio. Memorial contributions to the Van Wert Special Olympics or Middle Point United Methodist Church.