James H. Johnson ’67

James Hartford Johnson, age 77, passed away on September 3, 2020. He was born on April 23, 1943, to Howard R. Johnson and Emily Julia Johnson in Panama City, Panama.

He graduated from Balboa High School, Panama Canal Zone in 1962. He attended Maine Maritime Academy and graduated in 1967. At graduation he received a direct commission in the United States Coast Guard. Upon being discharged in 1974 he started his career with Western Oceanic as their safety and compliance manager. He retired in 2013 from the Wood/Pac Group.

Jim was a loving and devoted family man that led by example and took pleasure in those he loved. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret, his loving daughter, Betsy Bunch and her husband (Jeff), and his loving son Jay. A precious granddaughter, Avery, and wonderful grandson Cooper, and a large extended family and many beloved friends.

Jim had a genuine compassion for all people. He was an avid golfer from an early age and continued playing and enjoyed playing and spending time with his dearest friends until the very end. As the son of the assistant port captain of Panama Canal Zone he followed in his father’s footsteps for the love of the ocean and being on the sea.