Obituary of James Maxton Johnson

James Maxton Johnson, 78, of Belvidere, NJ, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by caring friends, on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 after a lengthy illness. Born June 8, 1931 at Meadville, Pennsylvania he was the son of the late Clarence Victor and Evelyn White Johnson. He was a graduate of the Meadville High School Class of 1949. He was a proud Navy veteran, enlisted from 1950-1954, serving aboard the USS Tarawa, a 6th Fleet attack aircraft carrier, in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Johnson worked many years for New York City department stores, Gimbels and Macys. He was in charge of constructing the famous Christmas display windows at Gimbels and was an interior decorating consultant for many years with both firms. James Maxton Johnson, known to his associates as Jimmy; and his business partner James Allison, became widely known in New York and New Jersey as "old guard" antique collectors, who were published in Colonial Homes Magazine. New Jersey Auction House, Dennis Auction Services said "their taste was impeccable, and together the two amassed an antiques collection that was staggering in both quality and quantity." Johnson and Allison restored an 11 room 1790 majestic Oldwick, New Jersey home which contained their collection. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal grandparents, Robert L, and Lucy Titus White; his paternal grandparents, Charles A. and Nettie Almon Johnson; together with seven uncles and five aunts all of Meadville, Pennsylvania. Most recently, his beloved Aunt Imogene V. White of Meadville preceded him in death. He is survived by five cousins, Eric Johnson, Erie, PA; Lance Johnson, Meadville, PA; Ted Johnson, Lutz, FL; Laurence Johnson, Saegertown, PA; and Roberta Van Slyke, of Lampasas, TX. Memorials in memory of James Maxton Johnson may be made to the Johnson Shaw Stereoscopic Museum, 423 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335. http://www.johnsonshawmuseum.org/ He was a devoted supporter of the historic complex. The museum contains a memorial to him, and to his parents, who were pioneers in the manufacture of historic stereo views the museum holds, manufactured by the Keystone View Company at Meadville. His parents worked at Keystone for many years. To send a lasting tribute or condolences to the Johnson family, please sign the Online Guestbook below. Click "Sign Guestbook". Read James Johnson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.macfaddenfuneralhome.com.