Kim Johnson

February 20, 1955 - August 16th 2020 Born in Walla Walla Washington on February 20th 1955 to Mary Ann (Kelley) Johnson and Arvid “Gay” Johnson, Kim grew up in Zillah Washington. Always a fearless and free spirit, Kim spent his youth running the streets of Zillah getting into mischief with his brothers, cousins and close friends. He could be found most summer days showing off his diving skills at the Zillah pool doing 2 and ½ double gainers off the high dive, an impressive feat. In high school, Kim excelled at football, baseball and basketball and was well known for his long, fiery red hair, friendly smile and kind eyes. Also known as “Kiko” by his family and close friends, Kim worked hard and played hard. His love of music led him to learn to play the drums and he was well known for breaking into his favorite songs like “Rocky Racoon” or “Dust in the Wind” at family gatherings, Easter picnics and parties. As a young man, Kim worked at Scott’s Fuel Yard in Zillah and in the Yakima Valley orchards, lighting smudge pots and driving tractors. Kim was a carpenter by trade and was always happiest when he was on a roof. Spending his time from sun-up to sun-down on his projects, Kim helped build the Yakima Valley including work on Yakima’s Home Depot store and several local wineries and historic homes. Kim’s generosity was endless. He gave much of his time and exceptional skills with a saw and hammer to his friends and family, his hammer pounding away on the rooftop with his favorite songs blaring from one of his many boom boxes long into the summer nights. His work can be found in many houses and buildings across Central Washington. Later in life, his fearless nature found Kim working and climbing cell towers across the country as a cell tower technician. Kim loved his family and was especially proud of his children and grandchildren, His daughter Julia Krystal Johnson Convery, Son Justin Kim Johnson and four grandchildren Jenna Sea Convery, Jasmin Sky Convery, Sage Ashton Johnson, Codi Sky Johnson. On August 16th 2020, our Kiko lost his battle with cancer. Kim was preceded in death by his mother, Mary (Kelley) Jennings and his Father, Arvid “Gay” Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Robin Wayne Johnson, sister Jodie Johnson Mathews and brother Kevin Lance Johnson. Kim spent the last few months doing what he loved… working on roofs, travelling and spending time visiting his friends and family. He passed peacefully in his Grandma’s home in Toppenish with his angels by his side, Sister Jodie, Daughter Julia and Granddaughter Jasmine. Kim’s free, fearless and loving spirit lives on in all of us. If you would like to join in celebrating him, Memorial Services will be held as follows: Viewing at Valley Hill in Zillah, Wa. From 10- 12am on August 28th Graveside services at the Zillah Cemetery August 28th at 2:00pm. Celebration of Life – TBA - August 28th from 4-6pm To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kim Johnson, please visit our flower store.