I would like to formally recognize one of our oldest and most distinguished Pekin residents who passed away at age 102 last week. James Charles Johnson was a 1940 Pekin Community High School graduate and World War II veteran who served in the Armed Forces, Army Air Corps, and Air National Guard. He started working at Caterpillar in 1941 and served for 42 years as a tool crib foreman at the East Peoria Plant before retiring in 1983.
Mr. Johnson served in a variety of roles in the Pekin area, including as a member of the Pekin Elks Lodge and American Legion of Bartonville. Mr. Johnson also was a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin. He received the very first Eagle Scout certificate in the city of Pekin with Boy Scout Troop #66. I express my deepest condolences to Mr. Johnson’s family and salute him for a full life dedicated to service to his family, country, and local community.
Learn more about Mr. Johnson’s life here: James Johnson Obituary – Pekin, IL