James “Jim” Johnson

James “Jim” Richard Johnson, age 85, of Richfield, passed away peacefully, comfortably and pain-free on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Martin Luther Care Center in Bloomington. He had many nicknames over the years, as most of his friends and relatives knew him as “Jim”, “Jimmy”, “JJ”, “Jimmy J”, “Johns” or “Lucky.”

Jim was born in Minneapolis in December of 1939 to Joseph and Catherine Johnson (Beversdorf.) He was the second of five children, having two brothers and two sisters. Jim was barely a teenager when he developed a severe case of pneumonia which unfortunately resulted in the partial removal of one lung, and he spent seven months recovering in the hospital until finally being allowed to breathe outdoor air again. Jim definitely “beat the odds” in this regard, as he was able to live some 40+ years longer than his Doctors predicted, and in a winter climate not advised for someone with this condition. His recommended and preferred location was Arizona. In his later years, Jim was able to find humor in his attempt to relocate from Minneapolis to Arizona, by stating that he “started south and got as far as Richfield.” ��

Jim attended Minneapolis North High School, graduating in 1958. He excelled as an athlete for the North Polars Basketball and Baseball teams. After graduating, Jim worked for 30 years in the men’s formal wear industry, working for employers such as Skeffington’s, Lancer and Jim’s Formal Wear.

In 1971, Jim married Marsha Rasmussen (also of Minneapolis), and together they had Richard, their only child, in 1975. The most gratifying times of Jim’s life were spent enjoying time with his family, as he cherished these moments. He considered himself truly fortunate to marry Marsha and witness his son Rich get married to Holly Westphal (of Savage, MN) and spend time with Marsha having fun with their three wonderful grandchildren – Lucas, Carly and Zach.

Jim was a proud citizen of Richfield for over 35 years and enjoyed talking to many of his neighbors & friends in this community. He loved biking and walking around the great outdoor areas of Richfield and always liked to visit with friends and employees at the Rainbow Foods supermarket and Walgreens drug store in his neighborhood. Jim also enjoyed donating to worthwhile charities such as the American Lung Association, The Christophers and The Shriners Hospitals for Children, among others.

He earned the nickname “Lucky” by being a frequent visitor/patron to St. Croix Meadows Dog Track in Hudson, Wisconsin, and Canterbury Park in Shakopee. This is where Jim developed some of his closest relationships. He also took extreme pleasure in playing the various games offered by the Minnesota State Lottery.

Fun to be around more than not, and always with a good heart, Jim was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Catherine (“Kay”) Johnson; sisters, Barbara Hale and Margaret (“Peggy”) Johnson; and good friend, Sharon Thornby. He is survived by son Rich (Holly) Johnson; grandchildren, Lucas, Carly and Zach Johnson; granddog, Fletcher Johnson; former wife, Marsha Johnson; brothers, David (Virginia) and Robert (“Bobby”) Johnson; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family wishes to thank Martin Luther Care Center in Bloomington and Grace Hospice for their assistance in caring for Jim in the final months of his life.
Jim’s ashes will be scattered at a private event and location that has special significance to him and his family.