JAMES JOSEPH JOHANNING


Jim Johanning died peacefully on February 18, 2019, at his home after living with pancreatic cancer for 21 months. He was inspirational in his ability to accept his illness and still live each day with determination.

Jim was raised on the family farm near Manchester, Oklahoma, and graduated with a degree in math and physics from Northwestern University in Alva, Oklahoma. He was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War and served as a medical records specialist stationed at an air force base in Rhein-Main, Germany. After his military service, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and received a PhD in transportation engineering in 1976. He was an associate professor at Clarkson College of Technology in Potsdam, NY for two years. He was recruited for a position with the Tulsa Metropolitan Planning Commission and later worked for the City of Tulsa completing nearly 30 years in public service. He retired in 2005 from his position as an Information Services Manager within ICS Information Services with the City of Tulsa. He and Margaret married in 1973 and raised three children. He is survived by Margaret and their children, Michael (spouse Meghan) Johanning, Megan (spouse Keivan) Abtahi, Matthew Johanning and grandson, Christopher Johanning and an adopted grandson, Alexander. He was honored with the support of his siblings and many great friendships, especially that of our children's adopted grandparents, Glenn and Margaret Hargett and their family. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, an older brother, an infant brother, and numerous aunts and uncles. He faithfully walked his three dogs every day for their benefit but also for himself to stay as strong and active as he could. His dogs will be missing him and their walks together.

Jim was an avid reader, who enjoyed books on the Civil War, WWI and WW II and on the cosmos. He visited many military sites when he and Margaret lived in Alexandria, VA and when they traveled back and forth from Virginia to Tulsa. Before moving home to Tulsa in 2016, they lived in Plano, TX for eight years. There he was a volunteer with the Collin County homeless shelter, The Samaritan Inn. In his last months at home, he'd put on his noise canceling headphones, munch on a snack, and enjoy his favorite YouTube videos on history, farming and science. He could fix anything, and in his last days was considering how to attach ropes to his bed so he could pull himself up!

He readily volunteered to donate whole blood and apheresis when called by the Red Cross in Oklahoma and Virginia. Before his illness, he volunteered briefly with Broken Arrow Neighbors, food pantry.

The family deeply appreciates the support and kindness from Dr. Steven Buck and the team at the Oklahoma Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, as we sought palliative care throughout the long illness. The family is also especially appreciative of the caring team from Good Shepherd Hospice that was with Jim and family during his final week at home. A special thanks also to Fr. Bryan Brooks, his staff, the musicians and parishioners at St. Benedict's who offered endless prayers of healing.

In lieu of flowers, consider donations to your favorite charities, to the American Red Cross, or Broken Arrow Neighbors.

A Prayer service is planned for Tuesday, February 26th, 2019 at 6:30pm at St. Benedict's Church. Memorial service will be 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at St. Benedict's Church, 2200 W. Ithica, Broken Arrow, OK. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233