Peoria Standard

Illinois State Representative Travis Weaver has recognized the passing of James Charles Johnson, a long-time Pekin resident and World War II veteran who died last week at the age of 102. Johnson graduated from Pekin Community High School in 1940 and served in the Armed Forces, Army Air Corps, and Air National Guard.

Johnson began working at Caterpillar in 1941 and spent 42 years as a tool crib foreman at the East Peoria Plant before retiring in 1983. He was involved in several local organizations, including the Pekin Elks Lodge and American Legion of Bartonville. He was also a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pekin and received the first Eagle Scout certificate awarded in Pekin with Boy Scout Troop #66.

Weaver stated: "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."

Weaver is a Republican elected to represent Illinois’ 93rd House District after succeeding Norine Hammond in 2023.

More information about Mr. Johnson’s life can be found at James Johnson Obituary – Pekin, IL.