James Everett Johnson

James Everett Johnson was born in Vaughn, New Mexico on September 8, 1948, to Marilyn Hemphill and Don Johnson. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on October 3, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Jim suffered a cardiac arrest, which left a clot in his heart that sadly caused a massive stroke which eventually took his life.

"JJ" was an active person who loved life and lived it to its fullest. Raised in Colorado Springs, CO., where he developed a love for architecture, gymnastics, swim team and motocross racing, along with "girls and hamburgers". He attended Casper community college.

In the early 1970's JJ developed a strong passion for skydiving. A professional skydiver with over 6,000 recorded skydives, he participated in National Para-ski championship meets and world record skydiving formations, including the Utah record of 40 skydivers. He was a master parachute rigger whose reserves packed, saved many lives. As a certified jump master for much of his life, JJ taught his students with the same passion and enthusiasm that he felt for the sport itself.

An avid golfer, JJ enjoyed and played in several tournaments with his closest friends every year. JJ also enjoyed fly fishing, mountain biking and skiing with his grandkids.

Jim was a steadfast and loyal employee of Kirkham's Outdoor Products for over 22 years, notably as production manager for most of that time. Jim was a positive driving force in numerous product improvement and design aspects of the award winning SpringbarA