James L. "Buck" Johnson, Sr., age 98, a resident of Bloomsburg for over 62 years, died on Saturday evening, June 28, 2014, a resident of the Orangeville Health and Rehabilitation Centers since January of 2013.
Buck was born on Sunday, August 1, 1915, in Millstone, Maryland, a son of the late Walter and Nettie (Dorsey) Johnson. Throughout his younger years, Buck attended and later graduated from the Milton High School in 1933. Shortly after completing his education, Buck served several years in the Civilian Conservation Corps based in Renovo. In 1942, Buck married his loving wife the former Josephine S. Brown, and the couple moved to Philadelphia where Buck worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard for the remainder of World War II. Buck was very proud to have been on the construction teams for many famous warships. The USS Missouri was one of his favorites to discuss.
When World War II ended, Buck and Jo moved back to Bloomsburg. At that time, it was difficult to find work in Bloomsburg so Buck purchased a refuse route and a dump truck to become a successful business owner. Many years later, he worked at various manufacturing facilities, namely the former Magee Carpet Company and the former U.S. Radium. Buck's last and most favorite employer was Bloomsburg University where he was a campus police officer until he retired. He had a natural instinct for law enforcement and his diplomatic personality enabled him to interact with the student body, the faculty and the management.
Buck enjoyed many hobbies such as gardening, woodworking, hunting and fishing. Buck's gregarious personality enabled him to associate with numerous people ranging from children to seniors. Buck was also a member of the Bloomsburg Baptist Church, where he cherished the spiritual guidance from his pastor and the fellowship with church members.
On January 19, 2009, Buck was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Josephine (Brown) Johnson. He was also preceded by four siblings: Walter Johnson, Helen Guinn-Bailey, Robert Johnson and Clarabell Stewart.
Survivors include two sons: James L. Johnson, Jr. and wife, Faith, of Westchester, CA; and David L. Johnson, Sr. and wife, Nancy, of Brunswick, OH; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister: Virginia Jones of Milton; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday evening, July 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. from the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will begin on Thursday morning, July 3, at 2 p.m. from the Bloomsburg Baptist Church, 2405 Old Berwick Road (Espy), Bloomsburg with his pastor, Rev. Craig D. Laidacker, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in Lime Ridge. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Johnson family.
Memorial contributions in Buck's name are suggested to the Bloomsburg Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 2405 Old Berwick Rd., Bloomsburg, PA 17815.