James R. Johnson, 76, of Bethlehem (Obituary Brought to You by Heintzelman Funeral Home)

James R. Johnson, 76, of Bethlehem died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at Manor Care Health Services, Bethlehem. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown.

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).

Author
Josh Popichak

Josh Popichak is a veteran local journalist with an extensive background in print and digital news. A Bethlehem native, he has a Bachelor’s degree in history and has maintained a lifelong affinity for the subject. He founded Saucon Source to fill a need for independent local journalism, which has thrived with the support of an engaged, enthusiastic readership. He thanks the community, whose continued support makes this site possible.