JOHNSON, Jimmy Charles

Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Jimmy Charles Johnson July 13, 1934 - March 2, 2015 Jimmy Charles Johnson, a longtime resident of the Gila Valley, entered into eternal peace Monday morning, March 2, 2015, at his daughter's residence in Gilbert. He was 80. A Celebration of Jimmy's Life will be conducted Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2015, at 3:00 p.m., at the Safford Church of Christ by Pastor Ken Knowlton. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jimmy Charles Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Eastern Arizona Courier, Safford, Arizona ~ March 18, 2015 Jimmy Charles Johnson, a longtime resident of the Gila Valley, entered into eternal peace Monday morning, March 2, 2015, at his daughter’s residence in Gilbert following a short battle with acinar cell pancreatic cancer that had spread throughout his abdomen. He was 80. Jimmy was born in Tucson July 13, 1934, to John Fisher Johnson and Robbie Nell Cox. The family moved to Safford in 1948. He attended Safford High School, graduating in 1952, and then attended Abilene Christian College in Abilene, Texas. Jimmy worked for Paul Revere Life Insurance Company as a district manager in Phoenix and then spent 29 years in Safford as an extremely successful State Farm insurance agent. He retired from State Farm in 1999. Following his retirement, Jimmy continued to enjoy working as a real estate salesman, clothes salesman, car salesman, and worked for Vining Funeral Home as an advanced planning counselor. He was an active member of the Safford Church of Christ. Jimmy served as a member and past president of the Safford Lion’s Club. His father, Johnny Johnson, was the founder and first president of the Safford Lions Club. Jimmy also had served in the Masonic Lodge. He thoroughly enjoyed people and will always be remembered for how much he loved serving others, for his humor, friendly demeanor, generosity, and for his love of the Lord, his family and his friends. Left to keep his memory alive are: his sister, Jonda Gardner, of Safford; a brother, Randy Johnson, of Safford; his son, Dan Johnson, of Scottsdale; two daughters, Shelley Johnson Van Shaar, of Gilbert, and Tana Johnson Wade, of Conroe, Texas; and eight grandchildren. Jimmy was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and grandparents, with whom we are sure he is having a glorious reunion. A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be conducted Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the Safford Church of Christ, 3888 S. U.S. Highway 191, in Safford, by Pastor Ken Knowlton. Family donations in Jimmy’s honor may be made to a memorial fund for his grandchildren’s education at the Arizona Credit Union or to the Safford Lions Club. The family would like to thank everyone who has shown their love and friendship to Jimmy. Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.