Feb. 2, 1964- June 5, 2009

ELKHART -- James E. "Jay" Johnson, 45, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2009, at 7 p.m. at his home with his family at his side. His long and courageous battle with cancer had ended.

He was born February 2, 1964, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late James W. Johnson and Barbara L. (Canfield) Johnson, who survives at home. Besides his mother, he also leaves behind to cherish his memory his two sons, Mike E. Johnson of Elkhart and James K. "Jay Jay" Johnson of Scarbro, W.Va.. Also surviving are his siblings; a brother, William (Lorrie) Johnson of Hico, W.Va., and a sister, Angela (Roy) Withrow of Anstead, W.Va.. Also considered part of the family are Mr. and Mrs. Chris Losin of Elkhart (friends from work), E. Keith (Cassie) Withrow of Scarbro, W.Va. and Joseph (Melissa) Withrow of Elkhart (who grew up with Jay back in the mountains of West Virginia), and a "special auntie" Donna McClure of Elkhart. A host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins survive as well. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by both sets of grandparents.

Friends and family are invited to Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, on Monday, June 8, 2009, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a celebration of Jay's life. Joe Rager, a friend from Jay's work, will lead the services. Mr. Johnson has been cremated, and following the celebration his remains will be returned to West Virginia to the Blue Ridge Mountains he loved so well. Memorials may be given to the Care at Home Hospice, PO Box 123, Goshen, IN 46527. Online condolences can reach the family at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Jay was a 1982 graduate of Oak Hill (W.Va.) High School and grew up swimming, diving and having fun at the nearby Summersville Dam and cliffs. He was always happiest where the deer would run and the wild mushrooms would grow. His "down-home" friends included Whitey McDaniels, who got him to join the US Air Force, Kenny Johnson and Mike McDaniels, who were childhood friends, and his buddy George Olds with whom he'd double date to the prom with their girls. A special memory of Jay's was when he thought he couldn't attend the prom as he has nothing to wear, but his mother was able to afford a handsome gray tuxedo without him knowing it! He also loved to play darts, horseshoes, shoot pool and watch NASCAR. His favorite driver "was and always will be" No. 3 Dale Earnhart. He was currently employed at Pionite Laminating in Elkhart with over 16 years of service before his illness affected his ability to work. He served in the US Air Force, and was stationed at Okinawa, Japan.

Jay's family thanks all who stood with them, prayed for them, brought food or otherwise showed care and concern during Jay's illness. A special thanks goes to the Care at Home Hospice of Goshen, for their tireless, around the clock assistance with Jay's care. Because the family must travel back to West Virginia, potted plants have been requested as they can withstand the trip home. Please join Jay's family in celebrating the life of this very special man!