Obituaries
Dr. James “Jim” E. Johnson, 82
July 23, 2021
Dr. James (Jim) E. Johnson, 82, of Leola, PA passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, July 23, 2021. Born in Ontonagon, Michigan, he was the son of the late Charles and Irene Johnson. He was the loving husband to Margie Johnson for 60 years.
If you spend any time talking with Jim, you likely know that he grew up in the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan. He often told stories about his life in the UP, especially how he survived the UP winters. He often joked that life in the UP consisted of nine months of winter and three months of rough sledding. He loved hunting for partridge in the Michigan woodlands and he would fish in the lakes and streams with his parents. There were only 7-8 other homes in the small “town” where he grew up, Victoria, and on a good summer, there were about 15 people that lived in those homes. His father, Charles Johnson, worked for the hydroelectric dam near their home and Jim also worked for the company when he was younger. Although he left the UP to pursue his education and career, he enjoyed taking his family to visit Michigan, spending at least two weeks of every summer visiting his parents and Margie’s family.
He attended school in a nearby town, Rockland, where his height gave him a distinct advantage on the basketball court. He enjoyed playing basketball 1:1 in the driveway and in pick-up games with co-workers or members of his church. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life and he enjoyed bantering about basketball, the University of Michigan sports teams, and of course, The Green Bay Packers.
He was taught to play the piano by his aunt and his love of gospel music continued through his life. He learned to play the organ, a skill that he put to use when he was the organist for The Lancaster First Assembly of God for a number of years. Although he could read music, most of the time he played “by ear” in his own unique style. More recently, he would play hymns or Christmas Carols for the family to sing along during the holidays or special occasions. He loved Gospel Music and would attend “Gospel Sings” as often as he could. He loved to bring his children to these “Sings” when they were younger and his grandchildren whenever he could.
Jim met Margie when he visited Margie’s church while attending school at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. After one and a half years of dating, they married before moving to Ann Arbor where Jim attended the University of Michigan to get his Master’s in Social Work.
Jim received his Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan in 1963. Following graduation, he took a Social Work position at the VA Hospital in Danville, Illinois. A few years later, he moved on to be the Director of the Coles County Mental Health Clinic in Mattoon, Illinois. In 1971, the family moved to PA when Jim took a position as the Director of Social Work at Philhaven Hospital, a position he held for 14 years. He continued his education and received his Master’s of Arts and Religion from Myerstown Evangelical Theological School of Theology in 1986, and he received his Doctorate in Ministry to the Family from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1987. He was honored as the Alumnus of the Year by Myerstown Evangelical Theological Seminary in 2011.
Always seeking to integrate mental health and ministry to families, Jim founded Shepherd’s Touch/Upward Call and he served as the Executive Director of the agency until his recent retirement from that position. Throughout his years of counseling, Dr. J was intentional about integrating scripture and prayer into the therapy process. Never one to stop teaching or helping others, he continued to provide psychotherapy to individuals and families. He was also an adjunct professor teaching Marital and Family Therapy at Myerstown Evangelical Seminary and Lancaster Bible College. Jim was an author of several books, including The Gift of a Sound Mind, Freedom From Depression, and Weaving the Family Tapestry. At the time of his death, he was working on several new writing projects.
Jim was a member of the The Worship Center. An ordained minister, Jim served on the pastoral staff at The Worship Center for a number of years and continued to serve as a member of the Worship Center Minister’s Network.
Although sad for their loss, Jim’s family is confident that he is looking down and watching over them now. This is likely a familiar vantage point for him, since standing at 6’ 6”, he was always looking down from above.
In addition to his wife, Margie, he is survived by his son: Mark married to Christa, and daughter, Michelle Beiler married to Jeffrey Lyn Beiler; his grandchildren: Melanie (Beiler) Davis, married to Colin Davis, Justin Beiler, Stephanie Beiler (engaged to Zachary Zook), Ashley Johnson, Nathaniel Johnson, and Abigail Johnson.
Family and friends will be received from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at The Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Please enter at the west entrance. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at The Worship Center. Family and friends will be received from 10 AM until the time of service. A private burial for family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in Jim’s memory to Upward Call Counseling Services at 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
September 08, 2021
I was sorry to hear of Jim’s abrupt passing. He was an early mentor to me as I am sure he was to others as well. His gentleness, wisdom and guidance were a gift and inspiration for which I am grateful. My condolences to his dear family and staff.
Diane Niesley, LCSW
August 04, 2021
We are sorry to hear of the passing of our friend, James Johnson. We have been so blessed by him. He also helped Paul’s brother, Melvin who had emotional problems. However he is in a much better place and we look forward to spending eternity with him.
Paul and Lisa Buckwalter
August 03, 2021
Going miss Dr Johnson as we seem to be getting each other’s mails and jokingly him and his wife used our checks to pay their bills ” that’s was okay as long wife and I had founds to pay his bills. We I took care cleaning up the massive mass a long their bank of their yard and pulled some strings for help to wrap up the job! Believe it or not but I thought I hard Dr Johnson saying that great job! But I needed a drink 🥃! Blessing to all your family and friends for he be looking over all no matter where you are. He was very cool person to know and really nice person to get to know! Thanks for sharing your husband MRS Johnson.
MR & MRS RALPH C STONE
August 03, 2021
Dear Johnson family,
I will always remember Jim as an masterful investor of precious souls – to whom he sowed seeds of truth, compassion and hope. Whether it was the clients he counseled, the students he taught, or the friends and family whom he so dearly loved, each were fertile ground imparted by his wisdom, encouragement , and care. As the past Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Evangelical Seminary, I credit Jim as the forerunner who laid the foundation for the Program in his role as an Adjunct Professor. Much of Jim continues to live in the lives and ministries of numerous students who sat under his academic and clinical direction. He taught family therapy well. Yet he lived as a family man and minister even more. As with many, I have been personally and professionally enriched by Jim’s investment into my life!!! Thank you
Dr. Andrew Mercurio
August 03, 2021
Dear Margie and everyone at Shepherd’s Touch/Upward Call,
My heart goes out to you all so much as you process this sudden and shocking loss. I will be forever grateful that Dr. J invited me to be an intern at Shepherd’s Touch and later hired me. He provided a nurturing nest where my fledgling counselor self could grow.As I sit with clients two decades later, I often think of Dr. J’s words of wisdom. I’m so thankful for his encouragement and patience. And for the fun times, like playing the piano while he played the organ at the Shepherd’s Touch Christmas gathering in his and Margie’s home.
I’m so glad God blessed him with the fulfillment of his longtime dream to bring smaller Christian counseling ministries together into a bigger unity in order to serve more people to the glory of God. His giftings have already enriched so many lives and I know his vision will continue to be used of God to minister hope and healing to those who are hurting.
Much love to you all,
Lynne Babbitt
August 03, 2021
To the dear family of Dr J. May the Lord bless you and keep you make His face shine upon you and give you Peace. Dr J not only counseled me but was also one who counseled my Parents. He was not just a wonderful counselor but also a friend. May he live on knowing that so many many people will surely be in Heaven because of him. God bless you and thank you for sharing him with me and so many people. Blessings
Kevin Keener
August 03, 2021
I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dr Johnson. He was a good man & served the Lord well. I know he will be missed. My sympathies go out to his whole family. Peace to you all.
Joni Godshall
August 03, 2021
My deepest condolences. The impact of Dr. Johnson is immeasurable in my life and so many others. I will miss him. My prayers for the ministry and work of Upward Call moving forward.
Matt Greiner
August 02, 2021
My sympathy and prayers go out to Dr. Johnson’s family and to the staff of Upward Call. Eleonore Shay Secretary, Upward Call Board
August 02, 2021
My sympathy and the Lord’s blessing to Dr. Johnson’s family and the staff at Upward Call,
August 2, 2021
Mike Burkholder
August 01, 2021
when i worked at living word academy ,i would talk to jim , he was big jim and i was little jim. my deepest sympathies to the johnson family.
jim diem
August 01, 2021
Dear Margie,
We are sad to hear of Jim’s passing, because he has been so special to us and to so many people. Of course, you are the one most impacted, and we pray for you as you transition to life without your dear husband and friend. At the same time we are glad to know that he has received his eternal upgrade! This is not our home, but people, like Jim, leave where he lived and ministered a better place. We will miss him. He brought great change and improvement into our lives throughout the years.
Larry and Karen Hostetter
July 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to the Johnson family, Jim’s colleagues at work, friends & all who received ministry in his vocation. The regret is mine not having come to Lancaster to accept his invitation (2016) when getting acquainted would have developed a great relationship. May Grace, Peace & Comfort be present as the loss of this gentle man will have affected many. It is our trust that Upward Call Counseling may continue to blossom in healing & growth for all who seek wholeness via faith & devotion to the source of life. In the wonder of it all…
Dave Schlaegel, LCSW-R
Samaritan Counseling Center MV
1612 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502
July 30, 2021
We’re sorry to hear that Jim has passed. He was an inspiration to see his love for the Lord and using his talents to serve him.
John & Kathy McKelvey
July 30, 2021
Dear Margie, I was saddened to hear about the sudden passing of your husband. I was blessed to know him while working at Philhaven, he was truly a godly and compassionate man. Throughout the years I have spoken with him and will always remember his kindness! I am praying for you as you go through this most difficult time!
Laura Davis
July 29, 2021
Greetings Margie and Family,
From the early 1980’s to the early 1990’s I served as Director of Pastoral Services at the Philhaven Hospital. During that time Jim was a tremendous support and guide for me as our offices were both in the Module. He was always available to share wisdom and valuable insights into the importance of family dynamics in caring for our individual patients. He would remind me that in each and for each individual session there were many others in the room. Today there are many of us, myself included, in your “room” but knowing only partially the deep sadness you are feeling. I bring you before God’s healing presence knowing full well He is already surrounding you with His love and mercy.
Grace and Peace is with you,
The Rev. Dr. Roger A. Bucy,
Vice Chair,
Upward Call Board
July 28, 2021
Remembering Jim with great fondness and appreciation. Sending your family our love and prayers.
Rick and Karen Allegretto
July 28, 2021
So sorry to hear about Jimmy. He was such a wonderful person. I remember him when I visited his family in Victoria, Mi when I visited my in-law ( Spike and Elsie) who lived just up the hill from him.
Janet Fredrikson, Rockland, Mi
July 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Jim is surely enjoying heavenly music in the presence of his Lord.
Sylvia Beck
July 27, 2021
To Marge and Family. We never lose what our heart has known and loved. You were blessed with 60 wonderful years making memories together. I worked with you Marge for a short while at the MAA and remember your beautiful smile. I feel your loss also because my husband of 54 years went to Heaven October of 2020. We don’t lose our loved ones, we send them on ahead. A wonderful reunion to look forward too.
Pat Startzell
July 27, 2021
Such a beautiful tribute to a man who lived well and who was a servant of the Lord! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Cyndee Harbold
July 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss.
Peggy Killoran
July 27, 2021
Condolences to the Johnson family! Surely, a good man, has left loved ones and the many he served behind. May God grant each of you grace as you mourn the loss of husband, father, grandfather, and friend and counselor to many.
ERIC John SCOTT
- Visitation
- Wednesday, August 04, 2021
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Thursday, August 05, 2021
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Thursday, August 05, 2021
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- The Worship Center
- 2384 New Holland Pike
- Lancaster, PA 17601
- Map and Directions
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