Ralph James Johnson

Ralph James (Jim) Johnson (80) from Boise passed away on August 4, 2025. Services for Jim will be held at Bowman Funeral Home on August 19 at 11:00 a.m. Jim was born in Payette, Idaho, and grew up in Caldwell, Idaho, attending the Caldwell school system. Immediately following his senior year, he joined the National Guard and spent 6 months in basic training in California. Upon returning to Idaho, he met and later married his wife of 58 years, Paula Hoffmann, at which time they moved to Boise where he lived the rest of his life. 

The first years of their life together were spent continuing their education. Jim graduated from Boise State with and BS in Industrial Business and became a huge BSU fan, especially in football. He worked his entire career for the State of Idaho, primarily the Department of Water Resources. Jim loved being involved in his hobbies and he had many. His interests included 4-wheel drives, camping and exploring Idaho and then later racing for a brief period. He spent a few years involved with radio control airplanes, building, flying, and finally racing. 

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, and backpacking, especially in the Sawtooth's. He finally found his greatest passion in sports, which included skiing, golf, volleyball, bowling, and most of all softball. He played co-ed as well as men’s softball for many years and started and coordinated the first few Hannah’s Softball Tournaments until the City of Boise took them over. After retiring from the Department of Water Resources in 1999 he became involved in the organizing of Senior Softball in Boise, and he participated in that sport for nearly 20 years.

 Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Julia and Edwin Johnson, and his only sister, Marilyn Justice. He is survived by his wife, Paula Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews.