James "Ed" E. Johnson

James "Ed" Johnson, age 82, of Painesville, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 11, 2025.

Born in Wellston, Ohio, on October 8, 1943, Ed grew up in Cadiz and moved to Painesville in 1965 to begin a lifelong vocation in funeral service. He attended Ohio University and graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Ed joined Spear Funeral Home and later became part owner and president of Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, serving families with care and compassion until his retirement in 2003.

From 1966 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer during the Vietnam Era.

Ed was deeply committed to community service. A proud member of Elks BPOE #549 since 1968, he served as Exalted Ruler from 1977 to 1978. He was also a member of  the Moose Lodge #490, the Exchange Club, and was a member and past president of the Jaycees.

He was the beloved husband of Virginia "Ginny" (née Hexamer) for 59 years; loving father of Laura (Steve) Rosenblum and Brent (Kim) Johnson; dearest grandfather of Austin, Chad, Zach, Kate, Taelyn, and Samantha. He is also survived by his sister, Jane (Bill) Zinn; stepsister, Karen (Matt) Cobb; and stepbrother, Steve Ford, and his godson Ken Kiger

Known for always being in a good mood, Ed could often be found whistling or fishing—two of his favorite pastimes. Although his jokes, his laugh, and even his inappropriate comments at family gatherings (which his mother-in-law loved) will be dearly missed, his family takes comfort in knowing he’s probably telling jokes to the angels—and asking St. Peter if the bar is open and where the card game is.

Friends will be received at Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, OH 44077, on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 AM -12:00 PM. with a service immediately following  at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ed’s memory to The Salvation Army of Painesville, 69 Pearl Street, Painesville, OH 44077, or Hospice of the Western Reserve at www.hospicewr.org

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