Obituary of James Johnson

WATERBURY; Mr. James C. "Doc" Johnson, Sr. 86 of Waterbury passed away Saturday February 26, 2011 at Saint Mary's Hospital. Mr. Johnson was born March 11, 1924 in Waterbury the son of the late Charles L. and Madeline (Lattimer) Johnson and lived in Waterbury most of his life. He was a graduate of Bunker Hill Grammar School as well as Croft High School. He was a US Navy veteran of WWII serving north and south of the Equator in Normandy, Italy, and the Philippines and in Okinawa during the occupation of Japan. He was a recipient of the Victory Medal. He was a chemical mixer at MacDermid, Inc. retiring in 1983 after many years of service. In his younger days he was very athletic playing basketball and baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers farm system. He was also a racing enthusiast and was a member of the Harry Hall and George Landry stockcar racing teams and was also the gatekeeper for the Nutmeg Carting Association. He enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many years at several Waterbury Schools. Mr. Johnson was Past Commander of the Wolcott VFW Post #1979, a member of the Bristol American Legion Seicheprey Post #2 and was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans. He leaves his sons, James C. Johnson and his wife Deb of Waterbury and Paul Garland and his wife Cynthia of Wolcott, his daughter, Cindy Soricelli and her husband Clem of Waterbury, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sons, Robert Garland of New York and Neil Johnson of Waterbury. Calling hours for Mr. Johnson will be held Wednesday March 2, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alderson Funeral Home of Waterbury 9 Holmes Avenue. A graveside service of his cremains with military honors will be held in the spring at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the Soldiers, Sailors and Marines Fund 55 West Main Street Waterbury, CT 06702.