James “Jim” Johnson, 74, of South Yarmouth, MA, formerly of Lexington, MA, passed away on July 30, 2020 after a brief and sudden illness. Jim was born in Auburn, MA and attended Northeastern University where he earned degrees in education. As a four-letter athlete in his class at Auburn High School, Jim followed his lifelong passion for sports by becoming a physical education teacher in Billerica, MA. There, he met his wife of 42 years, Mary Beth. Jim later worked at the middle school level in the Waltham School District in the positions of physical education and special education instructor. He completed his teaching career in Waltham, returning to physical education at the elementary level.

Snow days were never an option for Jim. When it snowed, he was at the wheel of his plow, clearing driveways and shoveling out doorway paths for many neighbors in the Lexington area. He was always accompanied by one of his faithful Labs.

Jim was a tireless worker, buying and managing rental properties from the north shore to the south shore and everywhere in between. Right out of college, he obtained his real estate license and dove right into selling and buying properties. Early on, he owned and rented homes and apartment buildings; later, he concentrated on business properties in the metro west area, closer to home.

Jim had a great love of family and enjoyed annual family trips with Steve and Kristen to Disney World and Aruba. Later, he and Mary Beth enjoyed trips to Longboat Key, FL and Naples, FL to visit friends and family. They had a vacation booked at Longboat Key this past April, but it was postponed until 2021 because of Covid-19. Jim was a creature of habit; he believed that if you found a place you liked, you went back there!

Jim coached youth softball and baseball teams, providing all of the players (not just his own) with skills and experiences that would serve them well in later life. He coached Steve’s baseball teams all the way through high school and into American Legion Baseball. Years later, many of his players would continue to call him “Coach” whenever they saw him. He loved that. Most days on the Cape, you would see Jim sporting the Y-D Red Sox hat. He loved attending the Cape Cod League games.

One of Jim’s favorite investments was owning and operating the Edge of the Sea Motel from 1978 to 1998. He and his partner, Tom, shared some great memories those early years. Once Mary Beth entered the picture, Jim and Tom amicably dissolved the partnership, for as Tom said, Jim had a new partner. As a small beachfront property, guests were particular about which room or cottage they wanted, and year after year they returned. Jim was always there to greet them upon their arrival and say goodbye at their departure. The year of Hurricane Bob, a number of guests chose to stay, without power, and helped sweep sand or do other things to get the motel back in shape. Returning guests were like extended family. A familiar sight for many guests was the “Jim stance”: arms crossed, legs shoulder width apart standing in the driveway looking out over the property. Like clockwork, you would find Jim taking time off from work every day to join his family on the beach for a swim break. He would take his kids…and the kids that mysteriously appeared in line… and catapult them sky high into the ocean. It was a daily ritual.

On his day off, Jim would take the family and drive onto Sandy Neck Beach in Sandwich for a day’s outing. His love of the ocean prompted him to buy a Sea Ray. He loved taking the boat out. Some early mornings, he and Brian (manager) would venture to Martha’s Vineyard for coffee before starting the workday. He enjoyed inviting friends to accompany the family on all-day excursions. There are numerous stories about Jim and that boat. Once he went aground just off a private island in West Yarmouth. After mentioning a certain name, the property caretaker came around the bend with a tugboat to pull him off the sand. That made for an adventure that took on added dimensions through the years. In later years, Linda managed the property for Jim to be able to have “family time.” Nothing was more important to him.

Shortly after retirement, Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It came as a shock that someone so physically active would develop difficulty with balance and walking. He staved off symptoms by participating in Parkinson’s programs and studies at Boston University, boxing at the first Rock Steady in the surrounding Boston area, and going to NH for LSVT BIG and LOUD. He even went to Boynton Beach, FL one year, for a month, to try a gym that sported a piece of equipment called Giger MD and participate in the the LSVT BIG and LOUD programs. At that time, this was the closest location to MA for the LSVT programs.

In 2017, Jim and Mary Beth retired to Cape Cod, a familiar and happy place for them. Here, Jim joined the first spin class at the YMCA and was part of the “gold seat” group for his tenure in the program! He also was in the first Rock Steady program on the Cape at Spaulding in Sandwich. Later, he continued boxing at Forte Fitness in Hyannis. The exercise and camaraderie he received from each of these programs was outstanding. The dedication and genuine care he (and all his buddies) received from the coaches of these three programs is admirable. Any program is only as good as those who lead it. He loved being part of a group and was distraught when Covid 19 prevented him from participating. Early on, he was nicknamed “Big Jim,” not only because of his stature, but because of his big personality. No matter what music Coach Bob played at the spin class, Jim always called out that it was the Monkees. There were many head shakes and snickers from his buddies. Jim’s sense of humor was contagious. He valued the MANY new friendships he made with his fellow boxers, spinners, and coaches. It was a lifesaver for him to have these connections.

Jim leaves behind a family whose many joys would have been impossible without him. That is quite a legacy to have and remember. He left this earth before those who loved him were ready to say goodbye. He gave all who knew him memories too fun, too beautiful, too distinctly Jim to forget.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary Beth, his children Steve and Kristen, his son-in-law Bill, his grandson Liam, his brother Ken and fiancée Gwen, his brother-in-law Bill, his nieces and nephews Lisa, Kim, Maggie, Johanna, Graham, and Jonathan, great nieces and nephews Ryan, Kelsey, Nicole, Hailee, Tommy, Maddie, and Isla as well as many other loved family members and friends.

In line with Jim’s wishes, his family will be holding a private ceremony for the scattering of ashes in front of the Edge of the Sea Motel. His two favorite companions, Labs Brandy and Shadow will accompany him.

In memory of Jim, the family requests that you share a story or memory you have of Jim on this site or send it to mbj518@gmail.com. These special, funny or serious, moments that you share will help ease the loss for his family and celebrate the life of a devoted, generous, kind man. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to www.apdaparkinson.org or www.michalejfox.org .

Jim and I shared an office at Kennedy Middle School for many years . Jim’s side of the office , his desk and his belongings were always organized and perfectly neat . My side --not so much , making us like the phys ed teaching odd couple . Jim was such a gentleman , he never objected . Jim taught both phys ed classes and special needs and was outstanding at both . His authentic , professional , caring approach was immediately evident to all his students ; he was respected and loved by all students and faculty at both Kennedy and Central Middle Schools who knew him . I was always happy to hear great reports from Jim of his children’s progress through school and college and learn of their athletic exploits . I was happy to hire Kristin for a Summer job position that worked out so well. In retirement some teachers would occasionally meet for breakfast and I always looked forward to catching up with Jim . May he rest in peace ; God Bless Jim and the Johnson family .

Jim and I shared an office at Kennedy Middle School for many years . Jim’s side of the office , his desk and his belongings were always organized and perfectly neat . My side --not so much , making us like the phys ed teaching odd couple . Jim was such a gentleman , he never objected . Jim taught both phys ed classes and special needs and was outstanding at both . His authentic , professional , caring approach was immediately evident to all his students ; he was respected and loved by all students and faculty at both Kennedy and Central Middle Schools who knew him . I was always happy to hear great reports from Jim of his children’s progress through school and college and learn of their athletic exploits . I was happy to hire Kristin for a Summer job position that worked out so well. In retirement some teachers would occasionally meet for breakfast and I always looked forward to catching up with Jim . May he rest in peace ; God Bless Jim and the Johnson family .

I’m sorry my brother Jimmy and I grew up w Jim , he was always Big Jimmy and my brother was little Jimmy. They were always out in woods up to something if not playing basketball or baseball. Good neighborhood to have grown up in.

Dear Mary Beth - So sorry for your loss. I fondly remember Jim the first day the Barnstable Pedaling Program started. He was such a warm fellow and made everyone feel so welcomed. The Monkee story still makes me smile. My most recent contact was a ZOOM gathering not too long ago. I was happy to see him. What an enormous loss for you and your children and Liam. He was always so enthusiastic about the times he spent with Liam! Clearly you and Jim shared a rich and dynamic life together. I hope you will be comforted by the many happy memories you shared together. Please know that your dedicated care was beautiful to observe and a real treasure to Jim. Please accept my most sincere sympathy. Mary Doherty

MaryBeth, when I read the comment from Kim, she mentioned riding in Uncle Jim’s orange car. We had some fun times in Lexington all together. This reminded me of when we pranked Jim by placing cut out black paper bats all over his car around Halloween. Jim nearly exploded when he saw his car. Naturally the art teacher was to blame! We laughed like fools. I will always remember the good times we had. Jim did have a great sense of humor. I also remember watching him teach gym class to first graders. He was so kind and patient with them. Naturally they did the funniest things. When something funny happen he had a serious look on his face but would turn around and try to control his laughter. He really enjoyed the little ones. I could go on and on. We will all miss Jim and especially his kindness and sense of humor. ❤️

Jim (Big Jim) Why a presence in a room‼️‼️I coached Jim in the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program at the YMCA, he would come thru the door and everyone would say it’s Big Jim

Jim (Big Jim) Why a presence in a room‼️‼️I coached Jim in the Pedaling for Parkinson’s program at the YMCA, he would come thru the door and everyone would say it’s Big Jim

Such a beautiful legacy he lived and left behind. Beautifully written. So sorry for your loss, but your memories will be forever with you.

Jim was a great guy who lived a great life with a great wife and family.i wish you wonderful, happy memories especially when the days seem unbearable. May he Rest In Peace. Most sadly, Justyne

He was a big teddy bear to me. My Father Stan and Jim were good friends on the cape. You never knew when jim would stop by to to hang. I loved his smile Love you Betsy

I miss you, Jim. You were always a ray of sunshine no matter what. I will always fondly remember Edge of the Sea and the boat excursions. I remember one boat trip in particular. It must have been one of my first rides. I was afraid of going in the water but you talked to me and made me feel safe. That’s who you were. Selfless. Caring. Loving. You made everyone around you a better person. And you will do the same in heaven. Love you, Jim. You were a wonderful person and I’ll never forget you. Rest In Peace.

I’m having a hard time finding the words. I was so blessed to have met Jim and Marybeth, and there amazing kids. My employers for a flash. My friends forever. This world was a better place with Jim in it. I will bring the coffee when it’s time. God bless you. May you Rest In Peace in the palm of our Lords hand.

I'm glad my son and I had an opportunity to meet Jim just this past year while visiting Cape Cod. He was such a kind, easy-going gentleman, who loved his wife and family immensely.

What a beautiful legacy Jim has left behind. Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to all of you. Jim packed more into the too short years he had than others do in 100 years. May these warm memories of this incredible man give you comfort when you need it most. Our prayers are with you. Warmly, Rich and Diane

Mary Beth that was such a wonderful and moving obituary. I felt as if I truly knew Jim. I think you two were lucky to find each other. I know there is a huge hole in your heart now. My thoughts are with you all.

This is Tom, one of the Pedaling for Parkinson's instructors. I am really going to miss Jim and his fantastic sense of humor (and I'm so glad "The Monkees" got a mention--that always cracked us up!). He was so fun to be around, and so sweet. He was one of "the originals" at P4P and he worked so incredibly hard. I remember when he told us that his symptoms were improving and that he got his "smile back". He certainly made me, and everyone in the room, smile back at him. He will always be in my heart. What a special guy. Lots of love to you all, Tom Dott