James Ray (Jim) Johnson, 89,passedawaypeacefully athishomeinElReno, Oklahoma on July 1, 2025.
Born on June 24, 1936, in Chandler, Oklahoma to Tommie Ross Johnson and Myrtle Virginia (Curtis) Johnson. He spent his formative years in Chandler, graduating from Chandler HighSchoolin1955,where he recently celebrated his 70th Class Reunion.
Jim enlisted in the Army National Guard on September 13, 1954, as a senior in high school and served honorably until his discharge on July 8, 1963, with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Following high school, Jim attended the University of Oklahoma, studying geology while working for Phillips 66 Petroleum, managing service stations along theTurnpike. His career with Phillips 66 spanned several roles and relocations, moving nine times before purchasing Charles Hundley’s jobbership in El Reno. In September of 1974, Jim founded Jim Johnson Oil Company, becoming a Phillips 66 marketer for over 40 years. He operated three service stations and the Wholesale Bulk Plant on Route 66, employing numerous local residents. Jim also marketed for Cato Oil and Grease and later Citgo Petroleum.
A longtime member of the Oklahoma Petroleum MarketersAssociation, Jim frequently exhibited with the Oklahoma Farm Show, earning several Outstanding Exhibit Awards. He retired in January 2018, sellinghiscompanytoAEG Petroleum of Amarillo, which retained many of his valued employees.
Jim was a past president and member of the El Reno Kiwanis Club, contributing to community service and helping with their annual fruit sales.
An avid hunter and sportsman, Jim cherished hunting and fishing trips with friends and family, always ready with a captivating story. His travels took him around the world, and he was always ready for the next adventure. He became close friends with people he met halfway around the world, with whom he is still in touch with today.
Jim embraced the role of “Papa Jim” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a title he adored.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Jim and Nettie Curtis, brother- in-law Derrell Sage and long-time friend William Campbell.
Jim leaves behind the love of his life, Corliss Kirbo Johnson, and sisters Vivian Sage and Shirley Keen both of Chandler. He is also survived by cherished stepchildren: Kayla (Lyle) Mooney of El Reno and Jeffrey (Perla) Rosenbaum of Friendswood, Texas. Grandchildren include Kenzy (Reylee) Mooney, Kalep (Makala) Mooney, all of Geary; Kolton Mooney (April) of Pawhuska;andAsher,Elias and Taylor Rosenbaum of Friendswood, Texas. Nieces and nephews Robin Reece, Michael Sage, Darrin Sage, George Johnson, Gina Coleman, Tammy Flud, and Shelly Wilson. Jim also leaves behind six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved.
Special thanks to the nurses and staff of Russell Murray Hospice, Mercy Home Health and Dr. S.A. Drooby for their help in caring for Jim.
A memorial service will heheldonSaturday,August 2 at 11 a.m. at Highland Baptist Church in El Reno.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Jim Johnson to Russell Murray Hospice, 2001 Parkview Drive, El Reno, Ok 73036 or online at www.rmhospice.org. Or to Highland Baptist Church,900SouthFrances, El Reno, Ok 73036