James R. Johnson, 76, of Bethlehem died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at ManorCare Health Services, Bethlehem. He was the husband of Kathleen M. (Lester) Johnson. He was born in Doylestown on Dec. 18, 1942 to the late Royden and Helen (Ofner) Johnson. James served our country faithfully in the U.S. Navy during peacetime. He was a social studies teacher at Palisades Middle School for many years until his retirement. He was instrumental in the formation of the football program at Palisades, where he also coached baseball and was head coach of the wrestling program.
SURVIVORS
In addition to loving wife of 11 years; children: Gwyn D. Warnke of Lower Saucon Township, James Tyson “Ty” (Beata) Johnson of Lower Saucon Township; stepson: Derek W. Wallen of Bethlehem; sister: Joann (Richard) O’Donnell of Mill Creek; 6 grandchildren: Katelyn M., Mackenzee L., Nickolas A., Mason A. Warnke, Zachary T. Johnson, Tristen Gambino. He was predeceased by son-in-law: John P. Warnke.
SERVICE
Family and friends are invited to call from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 326 Main St., Hellertown. The calling hour will be followed by the service at 12:30 p.m. Online expressions of sympathy can be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.
CONTRIBUTIONS
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Johnson family care of the funeral home (zip code 18055).
