James L. Johnson, 88

St. Cloud – James Leslie Johnson, 88, of St. Cloud MN went home to Jesus on March 2, 2025, with his family by his side singing hymns and giving thanks for his loving spirit.

Jim was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Blue Earth, MN to Leslie and Della (Evans) Johnson, six years after his sister Mary Jane. He accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior as a first grader in the church bell tower in East Chain, MN. Jim attended grade school in Blue Earth and high school in Brainerd, where he was a member of the 1954 Brainerd HS state basketball championship team. He held a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in Career Counseling from UND, Grand Forks.

He married Marlys Porter at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Blue Earth. As active church members they sang many familiar duets together, passing along the gift of music to their children and grandchildren. Jim was a Career Counselor and founding member of North Hennepin Comm. College in Brooklyn Park.

Jim enjoyed fishing, canoeing and mission trips to Mexico orphanages. He played ukulele in a performing folk trio (The Educators) and sang with the Minneapolis Commodores and the St. Cloud Singing Saints barbershop chorus up until age 86. Jim was a big sports fan and was active with the local Sons of Norway chapter together with Marlys. Jim was a devoted family man who instilled deep faith in his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marlys; children, Fred (Kristin) Johnson of Eagan, MN, Priscilla (Mark) Johnson Hathaway of Washington DC, and Pamela (Bill) Johnson Amburg of Saint Paul; his grandchildren, Gracia Johnson of Burnsville, MN and Bryce Johnson of Nashville, TN. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Mary Jane Holden Jennings.

A Monday, March 24, 2025, celebration is planned at the Hosanna Church Chapel, 9850 163rd St. West in Lakeville, MN. Visitation at 3 p.m. and service at 4 p.m. A meal will follow. Memorials to the St. Cloud Singing Saints at 1125 22nd Ave N., Saint Cloud, MN.

Condolences:www.whitefuneralhomes.com