Mr. David James Johnson, 57, of Shelby, NC passed away Saturday, December 5, 2009 at his home. He battled myelofibrosis for eight years and lung cancer of late. 

In accordance with his wishes, his remains have been transferred to a Medical School for medical research.

He was born July 21, 1952 in Huron, South Dakota, son of Joy Brodersen McGregor and the late George C. Johnson. He was baptized at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Huron, SD and was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in New Effington, SD. He attended Huron Elementary School until moving to New Effington, SD. He graduated from New Effington High School in 1970 and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. In 1984 he married Elaine Hall Robertson and in 1985 they established their home in Shelby, NC.

He worked at the Bank of New Effington while attending school and was active in sports and all the activities that go with attending school in a small town. While in SC he worked at Springs Mills and eventually got involved in insurance adjusting and at the time of his death was a catastrophe insurance adjuster. One of the highlights of his life for many years was playing golf, tennis, gin rummy and coming to South Dakota to hunt pheasant and renew family relationships. He was a good citizen and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Johnson will be held Friday, December 11, 2009 at 3:00 pm at the chapel of Lancaster Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Shealy, Dr. Steve Stewart, Rev. Jerald Starnes and Dr. James Goodman officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2009 at Lancaster Funeral Home.

Grateful for sharing his life is his wife, Elaine; their children, Jamie (Jeannette) Robertson, Lancaster, Dawn Johnson (Alan) Schultheis, Hampton Bays, NY and USVI,  Michelle (Todd) Knight, Lancaster, Brenda Russell, Florence, SC, Jason Johnson Florida; his mother, Joy (John) McGregor, New Effington, SD, one brother, John (Sandra) Johnson, Fremont, NE, two sisters, Mary Skole, Westminister, CO, and Jorga (Kim) Gallion, Sioux Falls, SD; his father in law, Reesel Hall of Lancaster, SC, eight grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother in law, Nettie Ruth Hall, grandparents, John and Lena Brodersen and J.C. and Mary Ann Johnson.

Memorial contributions may be made to MPD Foundation, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 375, Chicago, IL  60606 (www.myelofibrosis.org).

Notes to the family may be made at www.lancasterfuneral-home.com.

Lancaster Funeral Home & Cremation Service is serving the family of Mr. Johnson.

Paid obituary

For the complete article see the 12-08-2009 issue.

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