Jim Johnson

JAMES M. (JIM) JOHNSON, 56, of Sioux Center, IA, formerly of Ida Grove, IA, died Friday, 1/26, at the Sioux Center Community Hospital of Sioux Center.

Visitation with the family present will be held Sunday, 1/28, from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

A visitation with the family present will be held in Battle Creek, IA on Monday morning, 1/29, from 9:30am to 10:30am at the First Presbyterian Church followed by a prayer service at 10:30am. Inurnment will be held in the Ida Grove Cemetery of Ida Grove, IA.

A memorial service will be held in Sioux Center on Monday afternoon, 1/29, at 3:30pm at the First Reformed Church of Sioux Center with Rev. Ben Ray and Rev. Roger Voskuil officiating.

In lieu of flowers the Johnson Family prefers memorials to the Jim Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o the Johnson Family.


James Mark Johnson was born on August 31, 1950 to Margrete Jeane (Rasmussen) and Herbert K. Johnson in Ida Grove, IA. Jim was raised in Canton, OH and West Alexandria, OH, where his father was a minister. As a child, Jim enjoyed singing with his mother who also played the organ for the church.

Jim received his diploma from Marcus High School in 1968. While in high school, he was active in speech, played the trombone, and participated in football and track & field. He held the discus and shot put records at Marcus High for a period of time. Jim attended Northwestern College in Orange City, IA on a speech and football scholarship. He graduated in 1972 with a Speech and Physical Education major and an English minor. While in college, he was an Offensive Tackle for the Red Raiders earning 2nd Team All-Conference honors in 1971, was a part of Choral Readers and the theater program. He also was in the band, The Continentals.

In 1971,Jim married Peggy Jo Powell. They had three children: Jenny, Megan, and Jesse.

In 1972, Jim started teaching English at Sioux Center High School. During his career, he was Head Football coach from 1975 to 1993, and a track coach for both boys and girls. He also assisted with speech and directed several plays.

On June 19, 1993, Jim married Bonnie Kay Laursen of Battle Creek, IA. They moved to Ida Grove where Jim taught, was Head Football coach, and was later the Athletic Director for BCIG. They moved back to Sioux Center in 2000, where Jim taught English and served as the Athletic Director for the Sioux Center Warriors. Jim was honored as the Northwest Iowa Athletic Director of the Year in 2005.

One of Jims loves in life was music. He was blessed with great friends and fellow musicians Steve Lenters and Norm Grimm, who formed the group His Light, in 1987. Together the group recorded over seven albums throughout their 20 year history. They shared the gospel through music throughout many area churches. Another aspiration of Jims was to help others share their musical gifts. Founded by Jim, White Dove Studios, has recorded several area groups.

Jim will be remembered for his quick witted humor, his rich beautiful voice, and his dedication to teaching, coaching, and music. And his root beer floats. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and students.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Johnson of Sioux Center; his three children: Jenny Jo Straumann and her husband, Paul of Blaine, MN, Megan Elizabeth Johnson of Fergus Falls, MN, and Jesse Bear Bryant Johnson of Blaine, MN; and his father, Herbert K. Johnson of Arthur, IA.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, M. Jeane Johnson.