James E. Johnson

James E. Johnson, age 86, of Fairfield, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026. He was born in Hamilton on September 2, 1939, the son of the late Wade and Ersie (nee Croucher) Johnson. He was married to Nancy Johnson for 64 years, and she preceded him in death in 2023. He is survived by three children, Kathy (Kevin) Rupp, Karen (Robert) Neidich, and Lynda (Eric Hynes) Johnson; five grandchildren, James Rupp, Steven (Liz) Neidich, Jenny (Matthew) Fenton, Emma Hynes, and Luke Hynes; three great-grandchildren, Joseph Fenton, Daniel Fenton, and Samuel Peter Fenton; one sister, Betty (the late Edward) Gentry. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, other family, and close friends. Mr. Johnson was also preceded in death by two siblings, Evelyn Puckett and Robert Johnson. James began his remarkable career with General Electric in 1963 and devoted 40 years to the company, eventually becoming Vice President in charge of Conceptual Design. He personally held 31 patents and was credited with at least nine more. He led the legendary General Electric F404A Team, whose work helped shape the F-15 Eagle, the F/A-18, and the B-2 bomber. He met two presidents and worked with every branch of the Pentagon. He was especially proud of being the first American to study MiG jet engines after a pilot defected to Egypt in the late 1970s, a rare opportunity that reflected the trust placed in his knowledge and expertise. After retiring from General Electric, he continued his work as a consultant with Belcan until 2021. Through that work, he consulted for NASA, Northrop, Pratt & Whitney, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and others, and represented NAC for NATO. Visitation will be on Friday, May 22, 2026, at THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME, 3080 Homeward Way at Rt. 4, Fairfield, from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 11:00 AM with Pastor Barbara Dafler officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Online condolences can be made at http://www.websterfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at Grand Central Station P.O. Box 4777 New York, NY 10163 or www.michaeljfox.org/give