Correspondent photo / John Patrick Gatta As a joke gift, retired Command Sgt. Major David Archuleta with the United States Army, right, gives Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Johnson Jr. an MRE (Meal, Ready-to-Eat, an individual United States military food ration) that the troops used to keep him “grounded” in his post-military life. Johnson’s retirement ceremony took place Saturday at the Avalon Country Club following a 40-year military career.

HOWLAND — Following more than 40 years of military service, Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Johnson Jr. returned home last week and was joined by nearly 50 military personnel, family and longtime friends for his retirement ceremony Saturday at Avalon Country Club in the Grand Resort.

Retired Air Force Col. Dale Holland described Johnson as “the modern Maytag Man” because, similar to the washing machine advertising tagline, Johnson was dependable and dedicated throughout his military career.

In an interview prior to the ceremony, Johnson said, “A big part of my success is my willingness to take risks and challenge and change, move from one unit to another and explore different opportunities in the military, and figure out what I enjoy and what I thrive at and what keeps me motivated to keep going.”

Looking back at where he ended up in his career, he said, “I read through my bio and being with the United States Forces Korea with the United Nations, that was an amazing thing. I briefed a four-star Commander for the Pacific. I spent time as a liaison officer to the State Department, briefing the National Security Council and going over to the White House and watching the director who I worked directly for, brief the president of the United States.

“From being a private in the Ohio Army National Guard to this position where my intelligence and logistical work was benefiting a mission in Haiti that the National Security Council was watching closely, and going to the White House, that’s quite a journey,” Johnson said.

As the event continued, the lasting effect Johnson had on people was obvious.

Attendees traveled from San Antonio and El Paso, Texas, Bonita Springs, Florida, Columbus and Pittsburgh. Video messages appeared onscreen featuring former colleagues from around the world who could not be there in person.

Cynthia Carr of Delaware, Ohio, met Johnson in 1985 while she was pulling targets at Camp Perry in Port Clinton.

“We became fast friends, and a big group of us have been friends for all these 40 years,” she said.

James Johnson Sr. spoke at the podium and, fighting back tears, said, “I don’t think there’s probably another parent here that’s as proud of their son as I am today. I am very, very proud of him and what he has done with his life.”

Acknowledging those in the room, Johnson pointed out someone from high school who influenced his decision to join the military as well as posing for a photo with his fraternity brothers in Phi Kappa Tau.

Seeking the economic benefits of the GI Bill for college, he joined the Ohio National Guard prior to graduation from Lakeview High School in 1984. After serving a six-year term, Johnson re-upped for two more for more benefits, which caused him to be deployed to the Middle East as part of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.

While fulfilling his military duties, he attended and graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in business and marketing. Later, he received a Master of Science in international management from the University of Maryland University College. During his civilian days, he worked as a certified project management professional.

As an information management specialist, Johnson spent time with the Air Force Reserve at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna and Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station before becoming a part of the Army Reserve for the remainder of his military career. That career included deployments to Saudi Arabia, South Korea and a variety of residences in the United States, including Washington D.C., Phoenix, Denver, Springfield, Virginia and Seal Beach, California.

He moved from the military police to information specialist to work in supply chains, security and intelligence.

LEGION OF MERIT

Lt. Col. Sean Holland of the Army Reserve read the citation for Johnson’s nomination for the prestigious Legion of Merit for outstanding service that entailed Johnson’s long, varied and impressive career.

“Lt. Colonel James R. Johnson Jr. retires after 40 years of honorable service to the United States Army marked by exceptional leadership, strategic impact and unwavering dedication to soldiers and mission.

“Johnson has been nominated for the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service, culminating in his final assignment as the multinational security and support liaison officer to Haiti from August 2024 to May 2025. In this role he was detailed to the U.S Department of State, where his leadership was critical in supporting multinational efforts to stabilize a nation on the brink of collapse.

“He played a key role in establishing operational bases, procuring critical equipment and deploying a 700-person security force while providing senior leaders across the Department of Defense, State Department and National Security Council and the President of the United States with a clear and common operating picture in a complex and evolving environment.

“Throughout his career, Lt. Col. Johnson served in numerous high impact strategic positions including as the team chief and battle captain in the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon, where he produced operations and intelligence briefs for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Secretary of Defense in supporting major global operations.

“As Reserve Affairs Branch Chief at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and later the J23 (Joint Analysis & Targeting) branch chief at the United States forces Korea, he transformed organizations, empowered junior leaders, and ensured mission success during critical multinational exercises.

“Lt. Col. Johnson’s career reflects the highest traditions of military service, his leadership, professionalism and commitment to others brings great credit upon himself, the United States Army Reserve and the United States Army.”

‘SUPERHERO’

The highly-decorated Johnson received numerous medals, ribbons and certificates, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, six Army Commendation Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and National Defense Service with a Bronze Star.

The ceremony displayed his certificates from President Donald Trump and Chief of the Army Reserve Lt. Gen. Robert D. Harter in appreciation of his service and congratulating him on retirement.

Because of all that he’s accomplished, Carr compared Johnson’s civilian life versus military life in superhero terms.

“The Jimmy we know, when you look at it, he’s this big, giant kid, but he has all these distinguished honors, and he was so fantastic in everything he did in the military.

The reality is, he’s kind of like Clark Kent because we knew him as this big, giant kid and then he’d go and put his cape on, his uniform, and then he was this military force. I’m just gonna call him Clark Kent from now on,” Carr said.

Johnson discussed his future by looking to his past.

“I just turned 18 when I joined and I remember being, obviously, a little bit more free and less disciplined than what I’ve become. I’m gonna try to figure out who I am again,” Johnson said.

Concluding his speech at the ceremony, he said, “I have no regrets. I’m ready to retire. I’m ready to start my life doing something new.”

He plans to return to Phoenix and, with the remainder of his GI Bill, work on his doctorate in strategic studies with the hope of becoming an authority figure discussing world events on news programs.

“I always like to shoot high and see how far I can go,” he said.

Johnson also is considering moving back to Cortland. Property has been purchased, but much work needs to be done.

“This is where my family is. It’s where my friends are. I feel at home here. I love the food. I love the people. This is who I am. This is where I’m from, and I’m proud of it,” he said.