Jimmy Johnson

Jimmy Don Johnson, “Papa Jim” was born on December 7th, 1951 in Blackwell, OK to Blue Johnson and Ruth (Mooring) Johnson.  He departed this life on January 26, 2021 in Fayetteville, AR at the age of 69 years old.

Jim grew up in Blackwell, OK and played baseball for the Blackwell Maroons until he moved to Westville in 1970.  He graduated Westville High School in 1971.  He worked at Baldor for many years until he decided to pursue a college degree.  Jim graduated NSU in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.  He had a passion for helping kids.  He worked for many years at the United Methodist Boys Ranch.

Jim loved his family.  His granddaughters were his priority and loved every minute he got to spend with them.

Jim was well known to Westville as “Papa Jim”.  He absolutely loved to go support his community grandkids.  He loved them all.  He loved the Sooners and the Yellowjackets, no matter what sport they played.

But he loved his baseball.  He wanted to teach everyone about ball.  Whether it was how to pitch or catch.  He wouldn’t hesitate to use his cane to show them how to swing a bat.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Bobby Karl Johnson.

He is survived by his two daughters, Melissa Sanders and husband Troy.  And Amanda Johnson, all of Westville, OK.  Two granddaughters, Keeleigh “Andie” and Jozzlin “Jozzy” Sanders, both from Westville.  One sister, Geraldine Johnson and one brother, Keith Johnson, both from Tahlequah, OK.  Several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

And a whole town of community grandkids.