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Bradford James Johnson, 78

| January 29, 2025 1:00 AM

Bradford James Johnson, 78, crossed over in the early morning of Jan. 22 at his home with his wife, Doña, daughter Tammy, and OCD furball Ozzie by his side. He was born May 1, 1946, to Walter and Shirley Johnson in Spokane, Wash.  

Brad started with the Northern Pacific Railway as a teenager which became Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. He married Janet before he had to take a short break to enlist in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, where he was assigned to the USS Cacapon for four years. At the end of his enlistment, he returned to Spokane, where he rejoined the railroad until he retired after 40 years and a day. During this time, he got a degree in computer programming from Spokane Community College, after which he was transferred to Minnesota, where he lived a few years before divorcing and returning to Spokane.  

Twenty years ago, he met and married Doña Lea; they made their home in Kootenai County until the last three years; they then returned to Spokane Valley. Together, they spent many days camping and fishing (one of his passions). They traveled to Vegas often and also traveled to attend another passion, NASCAR races, many times. He looked forward every year to going to the Montana Folk Festival; he loved music, especially live music. If there was a casino sign, he had to stop and check it out no matter where we were. He loved traveling to the Outer Banks between races and the many gem mines in the southeast. He loved collecting rocks and gems of all kinds; he was an accomplished jewelry maker who incorporated the gems and rocks he collected. He loved life to the fullest, enjoying everything he did. 

Then came the miniature Australian Shepherd OCD furball, Ozzie. The two had a bond that only a man and a dog could have. Ozzie still looked in Brad's bed for him and waited by the door for him to return. 

His last trip three years ago was a cruise to Alaska. The Dementia was already advancing, so we both knew that would be his last trip. I Will always be glad he got to go out again before things got too bad. He had such a great time being back on the ocean.  

He is survived by his wife, Doña, and Ozzie of the home. Brother Randy Johnson (Teri) of Spokane Valley,  daughter Tammy (Patrick Seamons) Johnson of Kuna, Idaho. Stepson Joseph (Jodie) Scozzari, of Hayden, Idaho. Daughters Patty of Wisconsin, Cindy of Minnesota and Jenny of Boise, Idaho. Step-grandkids Sheena (Jon) Ellars of Cd'A, Idaho, Connor (Lily Misquez) Scozzari of Spokane, Wash. Also, a thank you to Hayley Wilson and Lily Miquez, who helped with his care for two years towards the end. Additionally, a huge thank-you to Dr. Lorene Lindley for her care until her retirement and her friendship ever since. 

A celebration of life will be coming. If you want to be notified of the time and place, call or text 208-704-3147, leaving your name and number if no one answers.