James E. Johnson

James E. Johnson, 82, of Cambridge, IL passed away Thursday, November 02, 2017 at Illini Restorative Care in Silvis, IL. Private memorial services will be held for the family. Memorial donations may be left to the Cambridge Fire Department & the Cambridge Ambulance. Cremation rites have been accorded. Vandemore Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with these arrangements.

James was born on March 3, 1935, the son of Chester and Birdie (Taylor) Johnson, in Woodhull, IL. He graduated from Alwood High School with the class of 1952.  James was a United States Army Veteran who served his country from 1954-1956. James was stationed in Germany for some time. He married Marie A. Hier on March 26, 1955, at Camp Chaffee, AR. James worked for I.H. Farmall Works in Rock Island, IL for over 30 years. He started in the assembly line, and then later became a supervisor for the remainder of his career. After his retirement, he worked part-time for Empire Equipment Co., as well as in Geneseo, where he helped several area farmers, including Clarence Carlson and Bernard Francque. James was an avid collector of I.H precision scale farm toys. He was a very talented small engine repairman. He loved to travel and go fishing, and he enjoyed photography.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Marie, and his daughters, Deb Else and Lori Gustafson, Cambridge, and Coni (Kevin) Gehler, River Falls, WI. James is also survived by six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and, one step-great-grandson.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Birdie, two brothers, a sister, and one grandson, Adam Else.

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