In honor of Jim and his battle with cancer, we've started a fundraiser for his medical and funeral costs. All of the money raised will be donated to his wife, Julianne.

Jim was a cornerstone of the ELAC Theater Arts family and his memory will forever live in our theaters. Here are our fond memories of our dear friend, Jim.

"By far the best memory is when you would look down from the balcony entrance of the black box and I would look up and ask I would say " God is that you?" I would laugh. "

"You are a kind soul and a truly devoted educator, and you are loved."

"You were my very first friend at ELAC, greeting me on my first day at work, moving out of the auditorium and into the P2 Building, showing me the ropes, sharing music, movies and magic! "

"Thank you Jim. For everything you have done not just for me but for every student who has had the privilege to work with you."

"It's hard to center in on just one thing that makes you a badass. I'll forever be grateful to you for mentoring me and really taking that time to help me understand the little overlooked nuances of the theatre world."

"Thanks for being a brother, teacher, boss, and unbeknowns father figure. "

"You are an amazing human, talented, funny, generous, and an amazing Artist."

"You have left a huge impression on my life, you are a great teacher, colleage and a most importantly a friend. I simply would not be the technician I am today without your help, guidance and jokes."

"Your commitment to students has always been stellar and you are beloved by them." 

"I'm sooo grateful for everything you've ever taught me. You are the reason why i got into technical theater."

"You just had such a calm, wise energy about you. Not only that, you were fun, quirky, and full of eternal curiosity. I love you Jim and thank you for what you have done for theatre everywhere. You will always be in my heart. "

"Jim Johnson is and has been a hero and shining beacon for generations of theatre students. He is kind, honest, forthright and capable, and his sense of humor is legendary."

"As I listened to your stories, which were told so precisely and with the perfect pinch of comedic timing, I would find myself amazed and inspired, wondering how someone can be so good with words."

"Jim.... what can I say to a someone who makes it his damn mission to make everyone else's day brighter by smiling? You are a true hero in my book Jim."

"Thank you for your kindness, your sense of humor, and your trust. Your dedication to your craft and your students is admirable."

"Because of you I found where I fit. I found my place when I had been searching for so long."

"Over 20 years together my friend and all of those late night talks and techs are running through my memory. Miss you so much."

"I'll never forget all the laughs we shared and all the knowledge you passed down to me."

"Your selfless generosity and dedication to the students is a rare jewel. You have captured through your lenses our most precious moments and those windows to our lives will tell those stories in our hearts. "

"You are always there to calm me down and lead the way in a sincere, knowledgeable and respectful way...like Yoda:)"

"The ELAC theater ghost will forever haunt our hallways, and we will receive him with open arms, always."

"The best memories I have with you are always filled with your sweet smile and wonderful full lucisous hair."

"Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you and the advice you gave me in acting."