James Russell JohnsDresden, NY and North Fort Myers, FL

James Russell Johns, 82, of North Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Dresden, NY, passed away on February 20, 2026. Born December 2, 1943, in Philadelphia, PA, to Samuel and Edith “Sis” Johns, Jim was known for his dedication to family, friends, and community, his craftsmanship, extensive volunteer work, and as a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan.

A 1962 graduate of Penn Yan Academy, Jim worked at Sylvania before beginning a 43-year career as a machinist with NYSEG/AES Greenidge starting in 1970.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Loujane (Herbert) Johns; son Jamie (Lori) Johns; daughter Joanne (Michael) Emerson; granddaughters Jordanne (Brandon) Hillman, Jessica Johns, and Jennifer Wilson; grandsons Grant (Emily) Emerson, Noah Emerson, and Reid Emerson; several great-grandchildren; extended family; and many friends.

An avid sportsman, Jim spent his life hunting and fishing across the Finger Lakes, Canada, and Florida. He was a skilled craftsman, creating many wood and metal projects, and was known for his kindness and willingness to help others.

Jim was a lifelong member of Seneca Lake Lodge #308 Free and Accepted Masons, Seneca Lake #321 Order of the Eastern Star, and the Dresden Fire Department, where he served as Chief multiple times and was named Fireman of the Year on several occasions. He held leadership roles in Masonic and Eastern Star organizations and helped found the Dresden First Responders as an EMT. He and his wife, Loujane, also volunteered with the Penn Yan Ambulance Corps. Jim served as a Yates County Legislator and contributed his machining and welding skills to restore a WWII plane at the Glenn H. Curtiss Aviation Museum. He was an active member of Dresden United Methodist Church.

In Florida, Jim continued his volunteer work with Elks Lodge #2606 and #2742 and with Wake Up America. He cherished sharing stories of his family’s accomplishments and was proud of their successes.

A celebration of life will be held this summer at Dresden United Methodist Church in Dresden, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dresden Fire Department or another organization of your choice in honor of Jim’s lifelong devotion to service and volunteerism.