James Byron Johnson

James "Jimmy" Byron Johnson passed from this life on August 17, 2023 at the age of 87 after anxiously awaiting the day he could meet his beloved Savior face to face. Jimmy was born in Newalla, Oklahoma on December 3, 1935 to James Jewel Johnson and Aline Vera (Roy) Johnson. He spent his childhood in Newalla and attended school in McLoud until the age of 16 when his family moved to Oklahoma City. Jimmy graduated from John Marshall High School as part of the class of 1954. While at John Marshall, he met his high school sweetheart, Janice LeEtta Malone. Jimmy and Janice were married on February 26, 1955 and made their home in Oklahoma City. He proudly served his country as part of the 45th Infantry Division of the United States Army from May 1958 to March 1964. During his life, Jimmy worked as a machinist for Page Aircraft, at Industrial Gasket as a toolmaker, and had a 30 year career at Tinker Air Force Base as a toolmaker from 1963-1993.

Jimmy was a man of diverse interests that he loved to share with his friends and family. He was a talented riflesmith, building custom rifles to precise specifications that were known not just for accuracy, but for beauty as well. Jimmy loved to use his rifles to hunt. He hunted everything from deer and elk to prairie dogs, enjoying the quiet and quality time with those he loved. Jimmy also was an avid benchrest shooter, shooting in many competitions around Oklahoma. He spent time with his son, Jimmy, and great-grandson, Jaxon, building and racing go-carts. Jimmy also helped build a RC quarter scale car that went on to win the 2011 QSAC Dirt National.

Breakfast was one of Jimmy's favorite pastimes. After retiring, Jimmy loved going out for breakfast on Saturday mornings. For years, he would meet up with other retired friends in Shawnee to have something to eat, and many, MANY cups of coffee. When grandkids spent the night, they knew there would always be pancakes or bacon and eggs the next morning. In later years after his own children retired, they would often meet for breakfast one day during the week.

Jimmy had many hobbies, but nothing was more important to him and brought him more joy than studying the Bible. Every day, he was in the Word, whether it was spending time reading Bible stories and devotionals together with grandkids in the morning before school, getting great-grandchildren to memorize verses, or sharing truth with complete strangers. Jimmy loved his savior and wanted to ensure that everyone he met had an opportunity to know Him and love Him as well. He spent time throughout his life serving as a deacon at Classen Boulevard Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, and for many years at Meeker First Baptist Church.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents and wife of 52 years. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Vanessa Johnson of Meeker; daughters and sons-in law, Sherri and Scott Dupy of Meeker, and Lorri and Rodney Standlee of Meeker; five grandchildren, Eric Johnson and wife Dasha of Meeker, Jennifer Jones and husband Jake of Meeker, Ashley Dubler of Meeker, Kendra Wenzel and husband Taylor of Meeker, and Kayla Seymour and husband Wes of Shawnee; fourteen great-grandchildren, Abby and Levi Johnson; Raeleigh and Drew Jones; Jaxon, Kaden, and Noah Dubler; Jonah, Ezra, and Adelyn Wenzel; and Brody, Marak, Madison, and Amelia Seymour; sister-in-law Glenna Osbourne of Oklahoma City; nephews Rusty Sullins of Edmond and Scott Sullins of Lawton; and close friend Maxine Dukes of Prague.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Loving Care Hospice for their support and compassion during Jimmy's final days.

Services will be Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Prague. Visitation will be Monday, August 21, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.