James F. Johnson, 87, of Roanoke, died Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. He was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke and a former member of Christ Episcopal Church in Blacksburg.
He served in the United States Army Infantry as an officer. He was a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (VPI & SU), now known as Virginia Tech, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry: Master of Science from VPI & SU in Extension Education and a Doctor of Education from North Carolina State University. Jim was employed with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, Virginia Tech as an extension agent for three southeast Virginia counties, district staff, and state staff. He retired in 1992 as the Director. In retirement, he also served as Interim President of the Blacksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Jim was a member of the Rotary Club of Roanoke Valley and a charter member of the Blacksburg Rotary Club. He received the Army Commendation medal, Distinguished Citizen of the Year from the Blacksburg Chamber of Commerce in 1996, Distinguished Citizen of the Year from the Christiansburg Chamber of Commerce in 2002, Vern Baldwin Town and Gown Award in 2006 to Jim and Janet Johnson, and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2015 to Jim and Janet Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Janet M. Johnson; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Amy Shorner-Johnson; daughter, Sarah F. Johnson; granddaughter, Leah Shorner-Johnson; grandson, Joel Shorner-Johnson; and brothers, David Johnson and his wife, Kathy, and Daniel Johnson and his wife, Joyce.
A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at St. John’s Episcopal Church conducted by the Rev. Tray Light and the Rev. Eric Long. Interment was in the church columbarium.
The family suggests memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 257, Roanoke, VA, 24002, Janet and Jim Johnson Extension Endowment, Ben Grove, Director of Development, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, or to the Virginia Lutheran Homes, Brandon Oaks, 3807 Brandon Ave, Roanoke, VA 24018. Online condolences may be made at www.Oakeys.com.
