James Michael Johnson, 75, best known as Mike, passed away on October 24, 2024, in Murray, Utah. He was born on July 14, 1949, in Houston, Texas, as the oldest of five sons to OS Johnson and Murrell Frances Perkins.
Mike was raised in Natchitoches, Louisiana, where he grew up loving sports of all kinds and developed a talent for hard work and mental math, adding long strings of numbers in his head as an attendant at his father’s gas station. He graduated from Natchitoches High School, where he participated in track and field and basketball, before continuing his education at Brigham Young University. While at BYU, he pursued his love of sports by competing in a wide range of intramural activities, from basketball to badminton!
He served a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Japan
(1968-1971), where his quiet, gentle manner and soft-spoken voice resonated well with the Japanese culture. His admiration for Japan inspired a lifelong love of samurai and martial arts films, as well as a passion for Japanese cuisine. He often dreamed of returning to Tokyo in his retirement, a goal that, unfortunately, went unfulfilled.
Mike met his wife of fifty years, Sharie Clements, at BYU in an introductory Book of Mormon class. He was her biggest fan and steadfastly believed in her potential to achieve whatever she set her mind to. Together, they raised their family in California, Louisiana, and Utah. Although his work as a small business owner required long hours, he always made time to support his children’s activities and interests.
One of Mike’s greatest achievements was his tender care for Sharie’s aging parents. With quiet patience and compassion, he devoted himself to meeting their many needs, always showing them kindness, respect, and love.
Throughout his life, Mike remained a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many capacities, always with meticulous care and responsibility. He preferred working behind the scenes, setting up and taking down for various church events. He found joy in serving others and deeply valued the friendships he formed with those he served alongside.
In his business life, he owned and operated a mortgage and real estate office in Sandy, Utah, and co-owned a transportation business later in life. He brought honesty and care to his dealings with clients in both industries.
Mike’s two great loves were his family and BYU sports, although we won’t attempt to rank them in order of importance!
Mike is survived by his wife, Sharie; his children, Jaime and John Hunter (Oak Island, North Carolina), Drew Johnson (Murray, UT), Brooke Johnson (Holladay, UT), Grant and Crystal Johnson (Sandy, UT), Luke and Christa Johnson (Cottonwood Heights, UT); grandchildren, Johnathan, Sterling (Kami), Evee (Sam) Knudson, and Rocky Hunter, James Louis McGee, Blair, Baylor, and Audrey Johnson, with a first great-grandchild expected in December; and his brother, Charles Patrick Johnson, and his wife, Kim.
The Johnson family extends heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff who provided Mike with professional and compassionate care during his brief stay in the Heart and Lung unit and later in Hospice at IMC in Murray, UT.
A viewing for friends and family will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT, from noon to 1:30 pm. A graveside service for family will follow the viewing.
In honor of Mike’s memory, contributions may be made to the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Wilford Woodruff Papers Foundation.
