March 13, 2024, James P. Johnson, a native of Walpole, NH, died peacefully in his sleep at his apartment in Bellows Falls, VT. He attended school in Walpole and was a graduate of the Walpole High School Class of 1952. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and served in Korea, attaining the rank of sergeant and earning an honorable discharge. Proud of his service, he was a long time member of the American Legion Pierce Lawton Post in Bellows Falls.

On September 7, 1956, he married Jane McGuirk of North Walpole and lived in Dover, NH while he attended the University of New Hampshire, Thompson School of Agriculture. They moved to Wendell, NH and he worked for his sister, Ann and her husband, Ollie at Kathan Gardens, Newport, NH. They returned to Walpole in 1959 and he became employed by his father “Jack” Johnson at R.N. Johnson, Inc., a John Deere dealership, his father founded in 1929. In 1964, Jim founded the company’s lawn and garden division, which he managed until his retirement in 1985.

In his retirement, he farmed on a small scale, raising beef cattle and hay. He loved going to farm related auctions and over the years built a vast cast iron tractor seat collection, a collection of one cylinder antique engines and a massive collection of farm antiques and memorabilia. He also regularly bought and sold vintage two cylinder John Deere tractors and implements.

In 2000, he founded Abenaki Springs Farm, an organic vegetable operation in Walpole. During this time, he became a tireless advocate in the Non-GMO movement. He even had his car doors lettered and his license plate changed to promote the movement. Not being a fan of New England winters, he traveled to a warmer climates throughout his later years. The first few winters were to New Zealand and then mostly to Florida. He wrote interesting letters about his excursions and made many friends.

Jim is survived by his former wife, Jane and their three children, Linda McCullock of E. Dummerston, VT, Alan Johnson and his wife, Lynnette of Walpole, and Steven Johnson and his wife, Lily of Russell, NY. Additionally, he is survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and his sister, Jane Broadrick of Concord, NH. There are no calling hours or services. Burial will be private.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street, Bellows Falls, VT.