Wood River: James Richard Johns, 91, passed away on June 14th, 2018 at Robings Manor in Brighton, Illinois. He was born in Harco, Illinois on January 29th, 1927. His parents were Aschim Raschidoff, who changed his Bulgarian name to James Johns, and Grace Emma Johns, whose maiden name was Stebbins.
On February 4th, 1953, he married Joe Ann Anderson of Harrisburg, Illinois in Piggot, Arkansas. The couple recently celebrated their 65th anniversary. James said that their song was… Read More » “Oh, My Wonderful One, Tell Me You’re Mine”.
James was a fun-loving man with many friends. He enjoyed stock-car racing, trucks, trains, inappropriate jokes, collecting coins, cowboy ballads, classic country music and bowling. He earned many bowling trophies and pins.
His favorite TV programs included wrestling, Westerns, Match Game with Gene Rayburn, and Family Feud and Little Big Shots with Steve Harvey. James was honorably discharged from the Army on January 3rd, 1947 after serving in Japan. He retired from the Box Board/Jefferson Smurfit and was a life member in the United Papermakers International Union.
He was a member of Wood River Masonic Lodge #1062 for 30 years, rising to the 32nd degree. James was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Josephene Amelia Pearce (Byford) and his brother, Robert Burdette Johns (Caroline). James was very proud of his family.
He is sadly missed by his devoted wife, his children and their spouses, Patricia J. Winters (Herb), James Russell Johns (Tracey) and Damita Jo Impens (Scott), his five grandchildren, Joanna Marie Winters, Samuel Pierce Winters, James Anderson Winters, Andrew Stephen Winters and Julia Rose Johns. He also has a great-grandson, Holden Anderson Winters. He was grateful to his sister-in-law, June Ritchie, who assisted with his care, and his doctors, Tariq Quadri, Felicia Bentley and Rama Gondi.
The Wood River Fire Department, Alton Memorial Hospital Infusion Center and BJC Hospice also have his thanks. James donated regularly to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and to the National Federation of the Blind. In lieu of flowers, he requested that any memorial contributions go to his wife.
Pitchford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no visitation. James stated that he wants his family and friends to think of him as he was before becoming ill.
He asked forgiveness from anyone he may have hurt in life. He also said, “If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself”.
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