James Michael "Mike" Johnson

1953 - 2021

Longtime Tuolumne County resident, James Michael "Mike" Johnson passed away on Nov. 15, 2021 in Sonora.
Mike leaves behind a legacy of a full life with many who loved and enjoyed his lively, genuine nature. Mike liked talking with people, meeting new people, hearing about their lives, sitting down with old friends, wrangling over ideas, sharing his life's lessons and his faith. Mike cherished his family.
As a young man, Mike married LeiLani Mathy, and they raised four children: Michaelyn, Caleb, Celeste and Amber. With Mike's passion for work and LeiLani's business knowledge, they established On Grade Contracting. It became his life's work. Mike was happiest when he was working, and stated he liked the teamwork of working with other men on a project. Some of his contracts included working with Hetch Hetchy at the O'Shaughnessy Dam, The Veterans National Cemetery in Arvin, California, for the US Veterans Administration, and various local projects in Tuolumne County. After he tragically lost LeiLani to cancer in 2002, the comfort of a friend warmed into love, and he married Heidi Jolly-Wolf. He often stated that Heidi brought him joy, and for the next 19 years they devoted themselves to making a new life together, full of fun, and rich with family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife, his four children, Heidi's four children, and 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by LeiLani Johnson.
Family and friends are invited to attend an outdoor gathering in his memory at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at Garagemahal, 19440 Stockton Road, Sonora. Covid precautions with social distancing will be observed. Parking will be across the street on Stockton Road. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Mike's favorite charity: Hope of the Nations, P.O. Box 1777, Woodbridge, CA 95258.

Published by Sonora Union Democrat from Dec. 2 to Dec. 3, 2021.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/uniondemocrat/name/james-johnson-obituary?id=31727969