James "Jim" Johnson, 39, of De Pere, passed away Monday evening, February 17, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

He was born on September 6, 1985, to Rick and LeaAnn (Giese) Johnson.

Jim graduated from West De Pere High School in 2004.

On August 24, 2013, he was united in marriage to Shannon Vertz and vowed to "love you to the moon and back."

Jim was a genuine, kind, and loyal person with a fun sense of humor and a good laugh. A devoted family man with a love of the outdoors, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He loved heading "Up north" to his family cottage in Crandon and Shannon's family's cabin in Tipler. While "up north" he loved kayaking, four wheeling, raspberry and blackberry picking. He loved finding new places to go to like waterfalls, parks, lakes, rivers and any other scenic peaceful areas. In his early 20's he had many great adventures, including backpacking in the Porcupine Mountains, Angels Landing in Zion national park. He enjoyed trips snowboarding in upper Michigan and Colorado. He also had many fishing trips to Canada with his grandpa, dad, brother, cousins and uncles.

He earned his Eagle Scout rank in 2003. He was currently the Cub Scouts Den Leader of Pack 4039 at Westwood School, where his sons were members. He had shared his passion for scouts with the boys. He enjoyed spending time with the boys creating their boats for the Raingutter Regatta races and their cars for the pinewood derby races.

Jim was also an avid fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Green Bay Packers. His favorite saying, "Every journey begins with a single step," was tattooed on his foot.

Jim's love of the outdoors extended to downhill skiing and snowboarding, where he was a member of the ski patrol for many years at Pine Mountain. He was also a certified scuba diver. He enjoyed rock hunting for agates and Petoskey stones during family adventures to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.

This past May, Jim, Shannon, and the boys traveled to North Carolina, where they enjoyed a wonderful family vacation. While there, they fished for sharks, searched for shells on the beach, and spent quality time together. Jim was the rock that Shannon and the boys leaned on, and in turn, he would have moved heaven and earth for them—his family, whom he loved dearly.

Jim is survived by his wife, Shannon; three boys, Jerry, Sawyer, and Oliver; his parents, Rick and LeaAnn Johnson; his brother, Rev. Paul Johnson; and his grandmother, Dorothy Johnson. He is also survived by Shannon's parents, Dan and Lori Vertz; her siblings, Nick (Janel) Vertz and Erin (Stephen) Lasslo; nieces and nephews, including Bear (Paul's dog), Sophia, Naiomi, Hayden, Zander, Caleb, Natalie, Charlotte, and Alaina; as well as aunts, uncles, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James F. Johnson, Ervin (Betty) Giese, and others whom Jim loved dearly.

Friends may call at St. John Lutheran Church, 1700 Lost Dauphin Road, De Pere, from 9:00 AM on Friday, February 21, 2025, until the time of service at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Cindy Warmbier-Meyer officiating.

Special thanks to the I.C.U. team at Aurora BayCare, and our extended family in the I.C.U. at St. Luke's. You have shown so much kindness to Jim and our family, and you will not be forgotten. Thank You!