James H. "J.J." Johnson

James H. “JJ” Johnson, age 79 of Marengo, passed away Tuesday, August 14, 2018 at Specialty Select Care Center in Des Moines. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 17, 2018, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Marengo with Rev. Andrew Gray officiating. Burial will be in Ohio Cemetery, rural Ladora. Visitation: 4 to 7 P.M. Thursday, August 16, 2018, Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be contributed to St. John’s Lutheran Church, or Marengo Senior Dining.

James Henry Johnson was born February 6, 1939, in Marengo, Iowa, the only child of Henry and Dorothy Patterson Johnson. He graduated from the Marengo High School with the Class of 1957. He attended the University of Iowa where he was a member of the University of Iowa Golf Team. In the 1960’s Jim owned and operated JJ’s Clothing and Shoes in Marengo. Later he was employed by the Amana Golf Course in the Pro Shop, and then worked with several clothing stores in the Tanger Mall complex.

JJ’s passion was golf, and he was a fixture at the Marengo Golf Club. He served as Golf Historian and had many stories and memories to relate on the topic. He spent years mentoring the young golfers and provided invaluable lessons on etiquette for on and off the course. “JJ” as he was known in the golfing community, was an excellent golfer, and played in many state amateur tournaments. He relished playing other courses and mixing with the other passionate golfers out there.

His free time was spent golfing with friends at the Marengo Golf Club, hunting with his four-legged companions, most of them named “Butch”, and serving His Lord through his work at St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was a devout member of St. John’s, where he served as an elder, enjoyed fellowship with the Dartball Team, and supported the many church functions and activities. He was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed the game for many years.

Jim is survived by numerous cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.