The neighborhood was in grief after Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of the well-known Johnson’s Corner in Alton, passed away unexpectedly at home during the night. Bob Johnson, Jimmie’s father, originally owned Johnson’s Corner, an Alton mainstay, which the Johnson family has managed for many years.
Jimmie Johnson’s Cause of Death:
The neighborhood was in grief after Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of the well-known Johnson’s Corner in Alton, passed away unexpectedly at home during the night. Bob Johnson, Jimmie’s father, originally owned Johnson’s Corner, an Alton mainstay, which the Johnson family has managed for many years.
Longtime friend of the Johnson family Pat Taulbee expressed her “heartbreak” over Jimmie’s passing.
“My birthday was the same day as Jimmie’s dad,” she stated. “We used to get together at Johnson’s Corner to celebrate our birthdays yearly. After my granddaughter’s tennis match last night, I saw Jimmie. He led me outside to my car. He was that type of exceptional individual. The community will miss him terribly. I consider Jimmie and his spouse to be family.”
Longtime customer Steve Schwartz spoke on Johnson’s Corner’s significance in the neighborhood. “For many years, Johnson’s Corner has served as a pillar. Bob, Jimmie’s father, suffered from it, and sadly, he passed away. Johnson’s Corner will always have happy memories for me. It was the location of our former East End Improvement Halloween gatherings. He was always kind whenever Jimmie went to the East End Improvement Association. He will be sorely missed, according to Schwartz.
Mayor David Goins emphasized the Johnson family’s enduring dedication to Alton.
“The Johnson family has long been the neighborhood’s mainstay and has significantly contributed to its overall structure. In so many ways, Jimmie was a wonderful community booster. Everyone will miss Jimmie, and his devotion throughout the years will be felt. The Johnson family and the Johnson’s Corner family, who will be deeply affected by his loss, have my sincere sympathies,” Goins said.
Mac Lenhardt, the proprietor of Mac’s in Downtown Alton and another local bar owner, talked about his recollections of Jimmie. “He had personality. He operated a terrific joint with his old guy throughout the years. Everybody knows Johnson’s Corner. Every time you visit Johnson’s Corner, Jimmie is there. He belonged to the good old guys and was an all-around nice guy. This was the first thing I heard in the morning. It’s a terrible day for Alton,” Lenhardt recalled.
The North Alton-Godfrey Business Association’s president, Zeke Jabusch, described Jimmie Johnson’s passing as “tragic.”
“I apologize for how it ended for him,” he murmured. He was an excellent family guy, businessman, and friend. It was always a pleasure to be with him. He gave his business his all attention. Entering Johnson’s Corner was a delight for everybody. I’m sad for his boys’ and wife’s loss.
The attitude from the community has been one of mourning together and remembering Jimmie. “I am very sorry to hear this,” Tara Lynn said, expressing her sadness. He was a wonderful man who was constantly grinning. I’m sending his friends and family my best wishes and prayers.”
We will be honoring Jimmie Johnson today by closing Johnson’s Corner. During this trying time, the family has asked the community to remember them in their prayers.
For the previous 26 years, Abe Lee Barham resided in the Johnson’s Corner area.
He declared, “It is a landmark in Alton.” “He was running it with his father when we moved up in Alton. Jimmie was a devoted community member and supporter of Marquette High School, and it was usually quite busy there. My family and I ate there for years. The people of Alton will sorely mourn him.
