James H. Johnson Sr.

James Herbert Johnson, age 101, a longtime Cannon Falls attorney, passed away at his home at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls on June 22, 2026.

Jim was born on April 13, 1925 in Woodville, Wisconsin to James Henry and Clara (Trapp) Johnson. He graduated from Woodville High School in 1943. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Military in the European theatre of operations, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946.

He married Marian Jordahl of Baldwin, Wisconsin in July 1947. He attended the University of Wisconsin, River Falls and graduated from Drake University Law School receiving a Juris Doctors degree. In 1953 he joined his brother, Al, in a law partnership in Cannon Falls until retirement.

Jim served Cannon Falls as the City Attorney for many years. He was a charter member of the Cannon Falls Hospital Board at the time of construction. He also served as president of the First District Bar Association, as well as president of the Goodhue County Bar Association. Jim was active in his church, the First Congregational Church of Cannon Falls, serving several years on its board of trustees.

Jim and his brother, Al, developed Riverside Terrace Mobile Home Court along the Cannon River in the mid-1960s. Throughout his retirement, he continued to manage the court providing a community of homes for over 100 families.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, in June 1996. He was also preceded by his brother, Al, sister-in-law, Virginia, and his parents, James and Clara.

He is survived by his son James (Mary Fransen) of Northfield; his daughter Julia Johnson (Mike Finger) of Northfield; grandchildren, Tony Lundell of Cannon Falls and Tara Hornseth of Zumbrota; step-grandchild, Emily Verlinich of Rochester; 3 great-grandchildren, Austin, Clara, and Hope; great-great grandson, Jameson; and nieces and nephews.

A private family prayer service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are with Lundberg Funeral Home, Cannon Falls. Online condolences may be directed to www.LundbergFuneral.com.