James "Jim" Johnson

Services for James "Jim" Johnson, 81 of Groton will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, October 7th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ferney.  Rev. Lloyd Redhage will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton.

Visitation will be held at the chapel on Sunday from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Jim passed away October 3, 2019 at his residence.

James Edward Johnson was born on December 22, 1937 in Ferney to Chester and Vernita (Sombke) Johnson.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  Jim attended country school and later graduated from the 8th grade in Ferney.  At the age of 15, he began work on the family farm.  He worked alongside his father, taking over operations in the 1950s.  He was joined by his brother, Glenn in the late 60s.   Together, they raised a variety of crops, had a dairy operation and feeder cattle.

Jim was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Ferney.  He also belonged to the South Dakota Farmer's Union.  Jim enjoyed playing cards in the evenings at home, as well as, hands of Blackjack at the casinos.  Jim loved spending time touring the countryside, visiting neighbors and checking fields.  He was passionate about farming and his livestock, with the motto “If you take care of the cows, they’ll take care of you!” He was a proud uncle and was active in the lives of his niece and nephew and their families.

Celebrating his life are his siblings, Kenny Johnson of Yankton, Charlie (Sheila) Johnson of Conde, Sheila (Jim) Anderson of Winifred, Donna Gunderson of Parker, his brother-in-law, Doug Ehrenberg of Groton, sister-in-law, Alvina Johnson of Groton, nephew, Chad (Michelle) Johnson of Groton, niece, Lyncee (Nick) Monson of Groton and many other nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, his sister, Arlys Ehrenberg and brothers, Richard "Herbie" Johnson and Glenn Johnson.

Casketbearers will be Jim Leidholt, Jeff Harry, Dustin Wiseman, Ethan Lemmon, Rick Koehler and Chris Pigors.

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