James Johnson, 84, who resided in Newport, Rhode Island, for most of his life, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 in Bristol, RI, surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was born in Providence to Joseph and Loretto (Gardner) Johnson on September 9, 1941. He went to high school at La Salle Academy and went on to earn a degree in journalism from the University of Rhode Island, after serving two years in the Navy at the Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. In 1970, Jim started working as a reporter at the Newport Daily News in the top floor of what is now the Brick Alley Pub and continued writing for the Daily News for an impressive 46 years. In his long tenure at the newspaper, he covered Newport City Council and School Committee, Portsmouth Town Council, countless interesting news stories and spent many years as a copy editor. He took much pride in his work and truly loved reporting.
Jim was a doting husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his family by going to the beach, taking pictures, playing a game of cards, watching the Red Sox, or listening to the Beatles and Bob Dylan. But the real way to his heart was to enjoy some chocolate with him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Maria, of Newport, daughter, Elizabeth (Karl), and granddaughter, Caroline, of Warren. He is also survived by his sister Jane, many nieces, nephews and many extended relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Marie Mertens and his brothers Joseph, William, Loring and Henry Johnson.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026 at St. Mary’s Church, corner of Spring St & Memorial Blvd, Newport at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery, 465 Browns Ln, Middletown.
