James Lowell "Jim" Johnson

James Lowell Johnson, 67, a resident of Fredonia and formerly of Independence, died Sunday, Aug. 4, 2013 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Countryside Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Benefiel officiating. Jim was born Jan. 16, 1947, at Independence to Arthur Ralph and Hilda Marie (Budke) Johnson; he was graduated from Independence High School and attended Independence Community College. He worked for KIND and the Independence Daily Reporter as an advertising sales representative, as well as at J.T. Maloney’s in Independence. After his retirement from the Reporter, Jim worked part-time for Connections and the Apple Tree Inn. On Aug. 22, 1990, he married Meredith Relph; they later divorced. Survivors include a daughter, Jillian Avery Johnson, of the home; Jill's half-sister Stephanie Wilson, Fredonia; his former wife, Meredith Relph, Fredonia; two brothers, Ralph Johnson, Salina, and Mark Johnson, Independence; a sister, Diane Lewis, Springfield, Mo.; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Jim will be remembered for his beautiful singing voice and his sense of humor. Jim was baptized at the Zion Lutheran Church in Independence and later converted to Catholicism and attended Sacred Heart Church in Fredonia where he enjoyed singing in the choir and at weddings and funerals. He appeared in numerous Neewollah stage productions over the years, including singing and acting alongside Jill in “Meet Me In St. Louis.” Jim and Jill also presided over the Neewollah “Doo-Dah Parade.” He was a cast member in numerous Anna Award plays at Independence Community College and also was an Anna Award presenter; for several years, he sang in the Fredonia Community Chorus for the annual "Sounds of Christmas" performance and also was the verse reader for the annual Community Christmas Pageant. Jim served nearly two terms on the USD 484-Fredonia board of education, until health issues led him to resign earlier this year. A memorial has been established with the Fredonia High School vocal music department and be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736

James Lowell "Jim" Johnson

January 16, 1946 - August 4, 2013