James R. Johnson, 75, passed away on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at his home in Yaak, Montana, of natural causes. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on June 14, 1942 to Roy and Pearl Johnson. 

Johnson moved to Big Fork Montana in 1967 and worked for Westmont Tractor and the Libby Dam. He owned Johnson Lumber in Bigfork, Kalispell, and Seeley Lake.  He later founded CHLOR*RID International, Inc. Survivors include his children Jason Johnson (Tricia), Chattaroy, WA; Douglas Johnson (Pauline), Post Falls, ID;  Laurie Johnson, Reardon, WA; grandchildren Cynthia Delong, Kyle Sullivan, Tiffany Johnson, Alix Johnson, Sydney Johnson, and Tierra Norris; and great grandchildren Kristin, Rylan, Kayleigh, Lacey Kay, and Deegan. He had been active in several of the NACE coatings technical committees since 1991 and was active with the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). Johnson was well-known and respected throughout the industry and will be sorely missed. 

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org, or to the Upper Yaak Volunteer Fire Department-Search and Rescue. It was always Jim’s wish to have a search and rescue in the Yaak. For more information, contact: CHLOR*RID, www.chlor-rid.com