James “Jim” W. Johnson, age 87, of Alexandria, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Knute Nelson Care Center under the care of Vivie Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Interment will take place at Kinkead Cemetery. Full military honors accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Veterans Memorial Honor Guard.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

James Wesley was born on January 3, 1939, to John and Florence (Lofvgren) Johnson at their home in LaGrande Township. He was confirmed at Mission Covenant Church and later baptized at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Jim graduated from Central High School in Alexandria and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956. After completing boot camp, he was stationed at Whidbey Island, Washington, before attending Machinery Repairman School in San Diego, California. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Hornet, operating out of Japan. Jim later transferred to the USS Yorktown and was honorably discharged in 1959. After returning home, he met Marilyn Ofstedal at a friend’s wedding. They were married on September 11, 1960, at First Lutheran Church.

The couple began their family living in a small cabin on Lake Cowdry before moving into town and eventually settling on the Johnson family homestead. Jim worked for Schmidt’s Electric and Furniture and Matz Home Furnishing until 1967, when he joined Douglas Machine as the company’s first full-time employee. He started as a machine builder before transitioning into sales and retired after 33 years in 2001.

In 1965, Jim was involved in the formation of Viking Speedway and served on the Board of Directors. He was an accomplished racer, earning track champion honors in 1969. Following a crash during the 1970 season, he retired from driving and finished the season as an ambulance driver. He went on to become the track announcer and was famous for his catchphrase, “Here we go!” Jim was inducted into the Viking Speedway Hall of Fame in 2003.

He was also integral in the formation of the Runestone Go-Kart Association, serving on the board and announcing races. He was active in the Jaycees and proudly hosted the “Jingle Bells” program during KCMT’s first year of color television. Jim was an active member of First Lutheran Church and the Cottage Grove Resort Association.

He enjoyed racing, golfing, bowling, deer hunting, snowmobiling, woodworking, fishing, and camping, and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Golden Gophers, and NASCAR. Despite his numerous activities and interests, his family was his highest priority. He cherished being a father and was active in his children’s lives. When his children started having families of their own, he made them an even bigger priority and helped in any way he could. When he wasn’t attending their activities, he was planning their future time together. He lived with energy and generosity, leaving behind not just memories, but a legacy of family, community, and a personality that brought people together.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marilyn “Marze” on March 4, 2026; son, Steven Johnson; grandson, Brian Neudecker; brother, Dean; sisters, Eleanor Peterson and Dana Bauer.

Jim is survived by his two daughters, Julie (Mike) Neudecker of Redwood Falls and Jodi (Curt) Bitzan of Alexandria; sister, Adele Kerkof of Renton, Washington; brother, Curt Johnson of Maple Grove; grandchildren, Rachael Neudecker, Dustin (Lacey) Neudecker, Nicole (Jason) Berry, Ashley (Scott) Iverson, and Aaron (Samantha) Bitzan; great-grandchildren, Taylor (Jake), Aedyn, Brileigh, Alexia, Emese, Carli, Woniya, Mush-Teh, Skuya, Kallen, Kaven, Bronx, Ivan, Isla, Eva, Sterling, Sylvia, and Myra; great-great-grandchildren, Brexton, Oakleigh, Breylan; along with a host of extended family and friends.

Serving as Casket bearers will be Dustin Neudecker, Aaron Bitzan, Scott Iverson, Jason Berry, Bruce Peterson, Curt Flesner, Chad Dircks, Dylan Larson.

Honorary bearers are Steve Auran and DeWayne Bisek.