James “Jim” M. Johnson, 78, died unexpectantly on August 6, 2026. He is the beloved husband of Paula I. (Yoel) Johnson with whom he shared 44 years of marriage.

Jim was born in Concord, Massachusetts on July 4, 1948 and was the son of the late Herbert and Eleanor (Prescott) Johnson. He received his education in Billerica and was a graduate of Billerica Memorial High School.

He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in January of 1971.

In his younger years, Jim worked as a milk deliveryman for Lowell Dairy and later as a mechanic for Nassau Ford. He eventually entered the vending industry, where his hardworking and entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate LIN-ELL Vending for 15 years.

Jim had a lifelong passion for cars and took great pride in his collection. He especially enjoyed attending car shows, with the Friday Night Car Shows holding a special place in his heart because he was able to share them with his grandchildren. Jim was also a talented tinkerer who could often be found fixing things around the house. He enjoyed working with his hands, could seemingly find a way to repair just about anything, and always liked to keep himself busy. Above all, Jim was devoted to his family and loved them deeply. The time he spent surrounded by those he loved, especially his grandchildren, was what he cherished most.

In addition to his wife, Paula, he is also survived by his three children, Daryl Johnson and his fiancé Sarah of Nashua, Eric Johnson and his wife Misty of Merrimack, and Alissa Johnson Carter and her husband Jeremiah of Amherst; his five grandchildren, Sophia Bibeau, Emma Bibeau, Olivia Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, and Abigail “Abi” Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Wilder and her partner Ed Clark of Pepperrell, MA; as well as his nieces and nephews, Lisa Talcott and her husband Tom, Robin Miller and her husband Kevin, Karen Wilder, and Craig Goldstein and his wife Colleen; as well as his great-nieces and nephews.

Sadly, Jim was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Linda Goldstein and his nephew David Goldstein.

Relatives and friends are invited to Jim’s visitation on MONDAY, August 17th from 4 until 7 PM at ROCHETTE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 21 Kinsley Street, Nashua. His graveside service and presentation of military honors will be held on TUESDAY, August 18th at 10 AM in the New Hampshire State Veteran Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Hwy, Boscawen. Kindly meet at the cemetery by 9:40 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to Operation Delta Dog, https://operationdeltadog.org/