James Berger "Jim" Johnson, 89, Minot, died on Sunday, May 27, 2012 in a Minot hospital.

James was famous for saying, "Let me tell you a story..." After his passing, his story is now ours to tell. James was born on May 19, 1923 in Cummings, ND to Martin and Mabel (Mortenson) Johnson. He spent his childhood days in the Hillsboro/Cummings area and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1941. After his high school graduation, James attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He served as president of the Independent Student Association. According to the '46 UND Dakotah yearbook, he "presided with a firm but kindly and understanding hand." During his time at UND, James discovered the allure of radio broadcasting. He enjoyed is time as announcer for KFJM radio.

As a young adult, James moved to Crookston, MN, where he met Florence Anderson. James and Florence were joined in marriage on May 7, 1950. They made their home in Minneapolis while James attended Brown Institute to receive specialized training in broadcasting. James and Florence then moved to Ironwood, MI, where he secured employment as a radio announcer for a local radio station.

The family moved to Minot in 1956 when James accepted an announcer position with KCJB radio. From 1967 until 1987, James served as an integral member of the KX television network as a sales manager.

James was a charter member of the Norsk Hostfest Association and past president of the Scandinavian Heritage Association. He was dedicated to preserving his heritage and enjoyed sharing Norwegian jokes and stories. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Sertoma, Sons of Norway, Elks, and Eagles. He especially enjoyed reading and spending time with his family.

James' loving family includes his wife of 62 years Florence; children: Dr. Leslie (Debbie) Johnson of Grand Forks, Vangie (Herb) Parker of Williston and Lori (Dan) Olson of Minot; grandchildren: Scott, Kyle, and Shaun Johnson; Marie, Becky and Cherisse Parker; Danielle, Matthew, Clara, James and Joseph Olson; step grandchildren: Melissa Rahn and Tara Hallberg; siblings: Dr. Robert (Bonnie) Johnson of Bismarck, Richard Johnson of Grand Forks and Eloise Perry of Manhattan, NV and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Jean (Stuart) Mammel and an infant brother.

Celebration of James' Life: Thursday, May 31, 2012, at 2.00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church - Minot (due to flood damage at Christ Lutheran Church.)
Interment will be in Rosehill Memorial Park - Minot
Visitation: Wednesday, May 30, from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home - Minot.
Memorials: In lieu of plants and flowers memorials are preferred to Christ Lutheran Church, Scandinavian Heritage Association or Donor's Choice.