Obituary of James "JJ" Johnson

Passed on March 1, 2024 in Minneapolis at the age of 71 after a long battle with cancer.  JJ grew up in Annandale, MN.  He taught Elementary School in Waubun MN, Annandale, MN and Stavanger, Norway.  After receiving his Master’s Degree at St. Thomas University he worked as a Software Developer at ETA Systems, Unisys, and Cray Research. He then worked at the University of MN for 25 years; most recently at their Supercomputing Institute contributing to cancer research.  He is survived by wife, Cheri Toftey; children Kate (Chad) Toftey Erickson, Dane Toftey Scheffler, loving grand-daughters Evelyn and Eliza; siblings Sandra Hobbs, Curtis (Barb) Johnson, Dean (Barb) Johnson and Lyndon Johnson.  JJ was a kind, gentle, and funny guy who loved his coffee and ketchup, was a skilled woodworker, and could fix most anything.  He was always active, whether it was running, playing basketball or biking.  He loved puzzles, crosswords and Wordle.  JJ spent time in Grand Marais frequently hiking Sweetheart’s Bluff, working in his garden, foraging for mushrooms, and enjoying smoked fish from The Fisherman’s Daughter.  He will be missed by family and friends and especially by his cat Freyja.  Celebration of life will take place at The Norway House on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 11:30am.  Memorial Contributions may be made to Hamilton Habitat Inc. at www.hamiltonhabitat.wordpress.com.  A special thank you to the staff at the Masonic Cancer Center and to all of the blood and platelet donors.  Please consider donating blood or platelets in his honor.