Billy Joe “BJ” Johnson, 73, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Monday, February 19, 2024, at home. He was born on August 28, 1950, in Princeton, IN, the son of Herschel E. and Marjorie (Zimmerman) Johnson. He married Patricia Lord McBride on December 3, 1982, and together they celebrated forty-one years of marriage centered around their family.
BJ grew up in Bellmont, IL on the family farm and attended the old Bellmont School before graduating Mount Carmel High School. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from 1971 to 1975. BJ worked in the auto parts industry locally for many years as a manager. He was the go-to parts man for anyone who wanted knowledge and honesty. Before working in the parts business, he was a service technician for a gaming/vending service and was affectionately known as “Pinball Wizard”. In his spare time, BJ enjoyed mushroom hunting, working crossword puzzles, gardening, country drives and cooking. He especially loved being able to spend time with his grandchildren. BJ will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
BJ leaves behind his beloved wife, Pat; mother, Marjorie Johnson; daughters, Kristine (Ron) Patton, Colleen (Wes) Abbott, Sabrina (Manny) Hester; son, Billy J. (Candace) Johnson; grandchildren, Alexandria Patton, Laurel (Jeffrey) Thomas, Braelyn Patton, Tate Abbott, Reese Abbott, Ripley Abbott, Matalei Greer, Gerald Greer, Jaylynn Phillips, Chloe Navarole; great-grandchildren, Marley Neely, Dominic Neely; one brother, Herschel (Linda) Johnson; one sister, Brenda Johnson; several nieces and nephews.
BJ was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Tom Johnson; and one sister, Jane Johnson.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Memorial Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home. Full Military Honors will be conducted immediately following the Visitation.
Per BJ’s wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in BJ’s memory to Addiction Solutions, 328 S Emerson ST. Princeton, IN 47670. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view BJ’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Johnson family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
