In Memoriam: Jim Johnson
On March 2 2007, we lost one of our best friends and colleagues, Dr. James C. Johnson, who left us far too early at age 65.
Jim was a native of Whittier, CA and received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Minnesota. He taught in the Psychology Department at the University of Tennessee in the early 70's, leaving for what he planned to be a temporary role in state government in 1972. Well..."temporary" turned out to be over 30 years, as Jim retired as Director of the Research Division of the Tennessee Department of Personnel only a few years ago.
Jim was the very model of the scientist/practitioner. His accomplishments within the Tennessee DOP are far too numerous to mention; he shaped the system there into a true merit system, turning sound science into innovative and workable practical systems.
Jim was a member of IPMAAC's founding board of directors, and established and was co-director of the Southeastern Personnel Assessment Regional Consortium (SPARC; 1975-80). He served as president of IPMAAC for 18 months in 1994-1995. The high regard in which Jim was held by his peers is demonstrated by his receiving IPMAAC's Clyde Lindley Exemplary Service Award in 1997 and the Stephen E. Bemis Memorial Award in 1999.
During his term as IPMAAC president, Jim was responsible for a number of new ideas. He established the Professional & Scientific Affairs Committee, and was instrumental in establishing IPMAAC's electronic presence. Long a technology enthusiast, he recognized the potential of this newfangled "internet," and cajoled a small group of us to serve as the Electronic Communications Network Committee and explore ways to bring IPMAAC members together electronically. We've been here since 1994, and this website and discussion list will continue to serve as one of Jim's legacies.
Jim was absolutely committed to designing and using job-related, fair and innovative assessment methods. He actively shared his work informally and as an author and trainer, regularly presenting at the annual IPMAAC conference and many others. He was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge, and was never happier than when he was having informal "blue sky" discussions about HR...or almost any other topic.
Jim was an IPMAAC original in every sense of the word. He will be missed terribly by all of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Update 3/13/2007: To honor Jim's memory and his role as a mentor to so many, IPMAAC has decided to name our annual Student Paper Award after him.
Update 3/14/2007: Jim's family wanted to pass along the following message:
Over the past few days, we have been so happy to read the beautiful, kind (and wonderfully humorous) words written about Jim/Dad. You knew him well. We cannot express how much it means to us to hear that others thought so highly of the man we love and miss so much. He loved his friends and colleagues in IPMAAC, and always greatly enjoyed his time spent with you. (He was visiting the IPMAAC Web site the day before he died). We truly feel we know all of his IPMAAC friends well, as we heard him speak of each of you frequently. We have so enjoyed meeting all of you at IPMAAC conferences throughout the years, and hope that we can keep in touch. At this difficult time, the thoughts and prayers offered here have provided us with unspeakable comfort, and we cannot thank you enough. You were such great friends to Jim.
With love,
Donna, Ross and Catherine Johnson
Donations
IPMAAC is encouraging its members to make a donation in Jim's memory to the American Lung Association
Memories of Jim
We invite you to , which we will add below.
This is difficult for me, as I am still coming to terms with the fact of Jim's passing. It's also hard to condense the memories accumulated in the 25 years I've known Jim into a few paragraphs.
I was lucky enough to have met Jim back when I was a poor almost-starving graduate student. My assistantships were complete, and I needed to find something to do so that the rent could be paid. I heard that Jim was looking to hire someone with state government, and he was in Knoxville on business. Our "interview" ended up being dinner at the restaurant of his hotel, where we spent hours talking about any number of things. It was a solid realistic job preview ;-)
Well, I got the job, and spent five of the most interesting years of my life working at the Tennessee DOP. Jim was a superb role model and mentor, and helped me learn to apply the knowledge gained in graduate school to practical situations--including the politics and art of getting things done within a large, somewhat bureaucratic organization. We may not have made much money working for the state, but Jim always had a great team of professionals working in the Research Division. We accomplished a lot, and had a ball doing it. I wouldn't trade those years for anything. There are a lot of "Johnson-trained" professionals all over the country, applying lessons learned from Jim.
After leaving state government, I maintained close contact with Jim, bouncing ideas back and forth. Even all these many years later, I am still applying things I learned from Jim to the work that I do. And, of course, Jim roped me into taking an active role within IPMAAC, even though I had moved on to the private sector.
On a personal note, Jim was one of my closest and best friends, and that friendship deepened over the years. When things went wrong in my life, he was always there to provide support. And, he was responsible for introducing me to my wife (long story!).
So many memories have been passing through my thoughts the past few days. I mean, how can one forget Jim getting up on stage at 2 AM in a relatively seedy bar in Seattle, belting out a spirited version of La Bamba? We will be sharing Jim stories for years at IPMAAC conferences.
It's hard for me to truly believe he's gone.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jim's wife Donna, his son Ross and daughter Catherine.
-- Bill Waldron
I met Jim early in 1980, before I, too, took the plunge and left academe for state government. By then, he was an old hand in personnel assessment. His love of the field, excitement with the direction Tennessee was going, and deeply-seated belief in the effectiveness of merit-based hiring in government played a huge role in convincing me to jump to the Oklahoma Merit System. Jim soon became one of the first people I called when my "brilliant ideas" began to falter, and he invariably responded with humor, wisdom and sound advice.
At that time and for years afterward, Jim had a bevy of highly qualified talent. After working with Jim, most have shown their heritage in positions of great responsibility. I hope some of those will expose themselves and add their thoughts here.
Too many thoughts and scenes of time with Dr. Johnson are rushing through my head to be shared. Still, one great evening long ago stands out. Is there anyone else who recalls the time when Jim organized three taxi-loads of IPMAAC-ers to head to a bar he had been told about? The drivers were irritated when we glided to the curb and the place was closed - for good. After discussion among themselves, they promptly dropped us at another very, very busy bar. Looked promising, indeed, to we single folk . . . until we went in. Whoa, guys were dancing with guys on the flashing checkerboard floor; and girls were dancing with girls. Jim shrugged, grinned and asked Judy, now my wife, to dance, to the chagrin of both me and one of the men who worked for him. There was some imbalance in our group, so another guy and I joined Jim, and were instantly accepted by the other couples. It was a most excellent evening. There still remains some disagreement as to how we made it back to the conference hotel, but Jim presented at 8:00 a.m. the morning of our return, while several of us sat in awe on the back row. He was a leader under almost any circumstances. (Then, there was the time . . .)
His passing leaves a hole in our organization. May God be with him and his family, and grant them peace.
-- Jeff Feuquay
I don't recall ever seeing Jim lose his cool. Sometimes when he was alone in his office I might hear a few choice words being uttered, because while everyone who knew Jim loved him, computers did not. His computer was always developing some strange, undiagnosable malady, which is what lead to the Jim-ism I'd like to share.
My fondest memory is how Jim's typical unflappability could cause practical jokes played on him to backfire. One April Fool's Day I installed a harmless program on his computer that caused the cursor to do strange things, change size, shapes, etc. He spent the whole day using the computer that way and never said a word.
Jim was my boss, my friend, and my mentor. Even after he retired he was my security blanket, since he was never further than a phone call or an email away when I needed someone to bounce around ideas. He will be sorely missed.
-- Mitch Stein
I was fortunate enough to work for Jim from 1990-1995 and while we had little contact in the subsequent years, his passing leaves a huge hole in my life. Above all else, Jim was a good friend who was never too busy to help with issues, be it professional or personal. Those of us that worked for him can all relate to the four hour conversations in the Arcade, an open air retail area downtown, drinking coffee and discussing various "projects" while Jim avoided the smoking restrictions within the confines of the office.
Which brings me to one of the more goofy Jim moments...he came next door into my office to go over some thoughts on a project. In my first year, smoking was allowed in the department and as usual, Jim came in my office with a cigarette in hand (I had already mentioned to him 100's of times not to smoke in my office). As he reached the end of his cigarette, he realized there was not an ashtray in my office and not wanting to break his train of thought, put the cigarette out in the plant on my desk. Undeterred, he lit another one and finished his line of thinking. Those of us who knew him, know that he would have felt terrible if he realized what he had done. Jim, however, had more interesting things to contemplate than worrying about an ashtray.
Jim, while I don't have a plant in my office today, I would setup a dozen of them for your use if it would buy me one more conversation with you. I will not forgot you or the impact you continue to make in my life.
Until we meet again...
-- Brad Jensen
Jim's passing, far too soon, is a great tragedy. He did so much for so many of us. I met him in 1973, before IPMAAC even existed. We were both young professionals then, starting our careers in state government (Tennessee and Connecticut respectively). We followed and intersected one another's careers for 34 years, as colleagues and friends. We found time to trade ideas, argue, enlighten one another and party at almost every IPMAAC conference over those many years, and I traded e-mails and instant messages with "starscope@aol.com" on a regular basis. Along with all his professional accomplishments and awards, my fondest memory of Jim will always be at a Karaoke bar in Seattle where Bill Waldron, Beverly Waldron and I watched Jim do a brilliant rendition of La Bamba, to a standing ovation (from three people, anyway). Great person, great friend, great professional. IPMAAC will not be the same without him, nor will I.
Thanks for enriching us all, Jim.
-- Bruce Davey
I was stunned and deeply saddened when I heard the news about Jim. He was such a dear friend. At every IPMAAC Conference, he was one of the first people I would seek out as I always knew that he had a line on what to do in each town we visited that would be fun. Jim was the consummate professional, mentor, and inspiration to many of us.
Countless evenings, many conversations, much philosophizing, some strategizing, tons of laughter, and some of my fondest memories.
There will never be another Jim. He was truly an original. Rest in peace, my friend.
-- Karen Coffee
Jim Johnson, a.k.a. Doctor Johnson, Dr. J., J.J., Jim, was a man of many, many, many words.
I met Jim almost 35 years ago when I walked into his office at the State of Tennessee - Department of Personnel to apply for a job as an analyst. Jim had six months under his belt as the Director of Evaluation and Compensation and was in the process of staffing a new research division to insure that the State was in compliance with the Civil Rights Act, which now pertained to state and local governments.
I had just completed my under-graduate degree in Chemistry and Physics and knew absolutely nothing about I/O psychology. My interview with Jim lasted about thirty minutes, during which time I learned that Jim's father was a chemist and that Jim was a science fiction buff. When I acknowledged that I also was a sci-fi fanatic, Jim inquired as to my favorite book and movie. When I said my favorite book was anything written by Russian born author, Isaac Asimov and that my favorite movie was "The day the earth stood still", Jim asked if I remembered the line in the movie used to activate the robot and save mankind. I replied, of course - "Gort - Klaatu barada nikto". Jim looked at me somewhat surprised and said - "You're hired". I had no idea that I was pushing all of Jim's - "I love that too" buttons and it was some several years later that I learned of his love for the Russian language and its people.
Jim had a wonderful passion for life, drink, and friends. Anyone who ever worked for Jim started off addressing him as Doctor Johnson, but within weeks, if not days, it was quickly shortened to Jim or J.J. Jim hired bright, creative, and energetic recent graduates and either taught them how to be I/O psychologists or how to be better I/O psychologists. Jim loved to "debate", I think argue is actually a better word, and as Jim's long time friend and former employee, Stan Silverman, put it so well at Jim's memorial service- "the only way to ever win a debate with Jim was the change the subject".
Jim was my boss, my mentor, but above all (like so many of you) - my friend.
-- Tony Perry
I had not known Jim well until I received a telephone call one day a decade ago, when he asked me if I would serve as Newsletter Editor during his time as IPMAAC President. He was in Tennessee and I was in Nevada. During the next year and a half, I spoke with him two and three times per week as I sought his advice, input and approval as the Newsletter would come together. Jim was always open and easy to talk to with a good sense of humor. During my times of frustration he was supportive with solid suggestions and made me feel like we were in the same room. When I had a technical question he had a good answer, and when I felt down he helped to cheer me up. He was always there for a kind word, a funny story, or a good piece of advice.
Every once-in-awhile a class act comes along, and Jim was that act. You will be missed by many. Rest in peace, Jim. Rest in peace.
-- Daniel Masden
I was stunned to hear of Jim Johnson's passing. He was a great friend and professional colleague.
When did I first meet Jim? All I know is that we were very young then. I think it was at the meeting in Chicago, when IPMAAC was founded. Through the years, I had the privilege of working with Jim on many professional endeavors, including the development, teaching and revision of numerous IPMAAC training courses, as well as participation in symposia at IPMAAC. Jim was always available and willing to weigh in on a professional issue and provide sound insights - he was first on my go-to list. Jim was also great fun and I usually found an opportunity to share at least one meal with him, when we were at conferences. I can see him sharing his wisdom at many a table, in many a city, over many a glass of wine!
Right now I see Jim looking down at us all smiling! I will miss him.
-- Nancy Abrams
It was very sad to learn of the passing of Jim Johnson, a true friend, a great leader, and a great contributor to IPMAAC and the assessment profession. Jim and I helped each other extensively during decades of managing assessment programs and research in our states (Tennessee & Pennsylvania). Jim had a wonderful and progressive vision of the future of IPMAAC, and pressed the organization to move ahead in many areas (e.g., automation, survey research, relationships with IPMA-HR, reliance on research data for assessment decisions, etc.). He led the field with his writing and instruction on MQ's and T&E's. Jim was a team member in the development and update of IPMAAC seminars on Examination Planning, and Ratings of Training and Experience. Jim and I often co-instructed IPMAAC seminars and pre-conference workshops. Jim was a very sociable person who was a joy to work with and to spend time with. We will all sincerely miss Doctor James C. Johnson.
-- Charley Sproule
Oh, the memories. I met Jim Johnson in my first hours at IPMAAC in the late 1970's. He was brilliant, passionate, interesting and fun. I was new to being a personnel psychologist at OPM and, in order to get my conference attendance fee paid, had been put on the agenda as a conference session moderator for Jim's presentation on Content Validity. The subject was hot and Jim was so authoritative that his speech is still referenced today.
There was standing room only; the audience was hanging onto his every word. My primary job, I'd been told, was to keep things running on time. Jim wasn't nearly done talking when I gave him a 10 minute warning, still not nearly done when I held up the card that said "5 minutes". Of course, he wasn't even looking at me; he was so engrossed in his subject. At "0 minutes remaining", I tried to give him the universal hand signal for "wrap it up" while he just kept on talking. Finally, I was forced to walk down to the microphone and put a note under his nose that said "You're done".
The circumstance of our first meeting didn't harm our later relationship in any way. Jim and I worked together on many committees over the years, and became friends who looked forward to socializing each June at the annual IPMAAC Conference and talked regularly during the year. I changed jobs several times, ending up in the private sector, but remained an active member of IPMAAC, as was Jim, for years.
In the mid-90's, Jim and I were both asked to run for President of IPMAAC one year. He won, by three votes, if I remember correctly, but it was never a competition between us. I think I even voted for him. I served on his Board of Directors and he later served on mine, and we always had fun working together.
I will remember Jim for his intellect, professional generosity, practical advice, wide ranging interests and his sense of humor. The combination made him a terrific IPMAAC contributor and great friend. I will miss him.
-- Marianne Bays
I am stunned and saddened to learn of Jim's passing......way too soon, way too soon.
Jim and I became friends in the late 70s when the southeastern states joined together for a testing consortium. He was always the technical leader, although each of us took a turn "in title." His leadership was understood and greatly appreciated, due to his vast knowledge and experience--and because he was consistently willing to assist when any of us asked for testing process advice or for coping strategies for sound practices in turbulent political arenas.
His humor and loquaciousness were legendary. He was a night owl and a philosopher who held forth at each and every IPMAAC gathering--one of the treats of the annual conferences and seminars we both attended. He was devoted to Donna, Ross and Catherine and often made me smile as he described his kids and their accomplishments or by sharing a delightful anecdote of Donna bringing one of his ethereal musings to a screeching halt with two words and a look. If Jim was in the room, you knew it.....you had only to find the laughing, attentive group encircling the sage from Tennessee.
My heart aches..........and my deep condolences go to you, Donna, and to you, Ross, and to you, Catherine. May God Bless..........
-- Doris Maye