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James A. 'Jim' Johanson The Villages, FL QCWA # 14903 |
James 'Jim' Johanson, 77, of The Villages, FL, succumbed to cancer on June 19, 2017, directly attributed to Agent Orange (an herbicide and defoliant chemical) exposure in Vietnam.
A service with Military Honors will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years Delores (Kinney), daughter Jill Johanson, son Scott Johanson and his wife Michelle, three grandchildren Dana, BrieAna and Eric, and cousins Ingrid Johanson and Walter Johanson.
As an only-child Jim loved Delores' big family and embraced her five siblings and their numerous nieces and nephews. Some of Jim's happiest times were spent with this 'crew'.
Jim was born in New York, NY and grew up in Stanhope, New Jersey.
Following graduation from Netcong High School in 1958 he attended Lehigh University before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1959. He received education and training in navigation, electronic warfare, advanced survival, SAC B-52H and launch control, and as a young 22 year-old 2nd Lieutenant his air wing achieved combat ready status on July 1, 1962. He proudly served his country during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 and during two tours in Vietnam in the Summer of '67 and Fall/Winter '68/'69, while stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base. After nine years, eight months, and 11 days, Capt. Johanson received an honorable discharge.
Following his military career, Jim entered civilian life while remaining in the defense industry where he continued working in reconnaissance and electronic warfare for General Dynamics, Litton and lastly for E-Systems in Greenville, Texas. At E-Systems he worked as a Program Manager in Foreign Military Sales, retiring in 1990.
In early 1991 he and Delores moved to Perry Park, CO and in 2001 to The Villages, FL.
Jim was a lifelong amateur radio operator and many fellow 'hams' around the world knew him only as K2SCU. In addition to amateur radio he enjoyed golf, boating, a lit Seneca menthol cigarette, straight Beefeaters gin on the rocks with three olives, fresh Maine lobster, the MLB extra-innings package, and computer time keeping in touch with friends and family.
A special thank you to Jim's friend Dale Buss, neighbors Don and Wynelle Polk, VA Social Worker Janai Woodham, Sumter County Veterans Service Officer Carolyn Allfrey, and Cornerstone Hospice.
In lieu of flowers please contact your U.S. Congressman in support of H.R. 299 - Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2017.
First Licensed as KN2SCU in April, 1956. Currently inactive except for 2m/70cm mobile operation. Moved to Florida, April 2001, where exterior antennas are NOT permitted. May resume HF mobile operations once relocated. Former District Emergency Co-ordinator for Hunt, Delta, Rains, and Hopkins Counties, Texas. Skywarn trained!
LIFE MEMBER: ARRL
LIFE MEMBER: QCWA
DXCC: 135 Countries, WAS, WAC, OTC