James Oliver “Pete” Johnson, 78 years old, of Green City, Missouri, passed away July 29, 2021 at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.
Jim was born December 23, 1942 in Kirksville to James Earl and Margaret Jane (Stewart) Johnson. In 1962, he married Virginia Jaques and two sons were born to this union. He later married Glenda (Creason) Johnson on June 3, 2004, and she survives him of the home. Also surviving: his two sons, Roy and Trisha Johnson of Arizona and Mike and Lora Johnson of Green City; a step-son, Chris Custer of Kansas City, Kansas; John Ray Billington whom Jim thought of as a son; grandchildren, Brandy and Charlie Kaiser, Shea and Drew Foote, Tera Johnson, Brock and Dawna Johnson, Wyatt Johnson; 7 great grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Stella, Max, River, Lucy, and Clara; three brother-in-laws, George and Emmalea Creason of Kirksville, Lynn and Cathy Creason of Kirksville, and Terri and Teri Creason of Kirksville; five nephews and two nieces.
Jim was preceded in death by: His parents and Robert Jaques and wife Connie who he thought of as a brother.
Jim grew up in rural Green City and rode a horse to Hawkeye Rural School before going to and graduating from Green City High School in 1960. After graduating, he moved to Columbia and started working for MFA in 1963, working at a service station, at a tire recapping factory, had a tire route, then became the youngest district manager for MFA. In 1973, he moved back to Green City working as Bulk Plant Manager, later also managing the plants in Milan and Unionville, retiring after 50 years from MFA in 2013. In the Fall of 2013, Pete and Glenda started Pete’s Place, where he worked up until his passing.
Jim had two loves, his family and his community and he loved both of them. He worked hard and was so involved with putting on community holiday events, including lighting Green City’s Fourth of July fireworks for many years. He stepped up to care for people without them asking, and never needed any recognition to do so. Jim had a passion for the outdoors that he shared with his boys, friends, and family. He enjoyed traveling with his family and sharing these experiences with them. Jim was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Jaycee’s, Lions Club, the Pollock Masonic Lodge, he served on the Depot board, and was a volunteer rural fireman for 40 years.
Jim had the best sense of humor and a great genuine laugh and gave big bear hugs. He enjoyed going bowling, fishing, and hunting, and he and Glenda enjoyed driving around in the country to look for wildlife. He enjoyed cooking and loved cooking at Deer Camp for many years. Jim liked watching westerns and going antiquing.
Funeral services for Jim will be held 11:00 AM, August 4, 2021 at Ruschmeier Funeral Home in Green City, Missouri. Burial will follow at the Hawkeye Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Tuesday evening at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Hawkeye Cemetery.