James “Jumper” Franklin Johnsen, 74, died on Aug. 5, 2025, at his home outside of Logan. He was born on Sept. 10, 1950, to Calvin and Thelma (Tate) Johnsen in Logan. He grew up in the Logan area graduating from Logan Magnolia High School in 1968. Jim went on to attend Iowa State and graduated in 1975. He returned to Logan where he spent his life farming and raising cattle. Jim was united in marriage to Christie Oamek on April 20, 1985, in Council Bluffs and they were blessed with two children, Matt and Jessica.
Jim had a profound love for his family, which was evident in everything he did. He raised cattle alongside his son, Matt, sharing not only the responsibilities of farming but also treasured moments. Jim tended bar for over 15 years and never knew a stranger. He took pleasure in driving around the countryside, checking the fences and ensuring that everything was in order. He also enjoyed connecting with friends, engaging in conversations that ranged from light-hearted banter to deeper discussions.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Christie of Logan; son, Matt Johnsen and Amy Karppinen; daughter, Jessica and her husband Tanner Winther all of Logan; grandchildren, Brodie and Broc Johnsen and Tate Winther; siblings, Jerry Johnsen and his wife Mary of Logan, Joann Thompson of Portsmouth, Jenette and her husband Gale Dickinson of Woodbine, Jay Johnsen and his wife Leslie of Logan, Jil and her husband Jeff Mortensen of Scribner, Neb.; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at the Logan Christian Church. Elder Bob Morton and Pastor Kyle Drown presided over the service. Alexis Alvis sang “Grandpa” and “Amazing Grace” and the recorded selections were “I Wish Grandpa’s Never Died” by Riley Green, “My Old Man” by Zac Brown Band and “One More Day” by Diamond Rio. The pallbearers were Doug Dickinson, Nick Johnsen, Brian Dickinson, Phil Johnsen, Jake Richardson, Lynn Johnsen, Johnny Johnsen and Doug Johnsen. Jim’s final resting place is at the Greenwood Cemetery outside of Logan.
