James Richard Johnsen

James Richard Johnsen, 67, of Portsmouth died on Wednesday, June 24, 2015, at home surrounded by family. James was born May 14, 1948 in Newport, RI, the son of the late Einar and Agnes (Hume) Johnsen. As a young boy, Jim was a member of the Boys Club Drum and Bugle Corps. He found an early love of the ocean, fishing, and days at Gooseberry Beach. He was a graduate of Rogers High School, and throughout his school years, he continued to follow his love of music by participating in the school band and playing upright bass. He showcased his talents at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1967 when he played with the Living Jazz Trio. When he was not playing music, he spent his summer days surfing or horseback riding around the island. After graduation, his college training led him to find work as a crisis prevention counselor for Newport County Community Mental Health Center. In 1993 he began his career with Newport Hospital as a CNA, until his retirement in 2013. He also worked part time at Memorial Funeral Home for over 10 years. He was a proud member of the Newport Artillery Company, and held the position of the 60th Commanding Officer from 1997-2000. Jim was also a longtime member of Emmanuel Church. As a young boy he participated in choir, and later volunteered at Church soup kitchens and as an usher. In his spare time, he enjoyed driving around Ocean Drive and cooking. He perfected the art of cross-stitch, and was an avid collector of holiday nutcrackers, Woody beach car memorabilia, and had a nostalgic collection of antiques from every chapter of his life. He is survived by his daughter Kimberlee Johnsen-Smith and her husband Brian of Newport, a stepson Charles Sidell and his son Andrew of Newport, his granddaughter, Olivia Smith, and his four sisters, Roberta Franklin of Newport, Irene Sloane of Framingham, MA, Carole Poitras of Inverness, FL, and Jacqueline Breen of Middletown.He was preceded in death by his brother William E. Johnsen.Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2015, from 1:00-4:00 pm, in the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.His funeral will be held on Monday, June 29, 2015, at 12:00 Noon in the Emmanuel Church, 40 Dearborn Street, Newport. His burial will be in Newport Memorial Park.Memorial donations in his memory may be made to Emmanuel Church, 40 Dearborn Street, Newport, RI 02840, or to the Artillery Company of Newport, 23 Clark Street, Newport, RI 02840. Cemetery Details Newport Memorial Park Vaucluse Avenue Middletown, RI, Visitation JUN 28. 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM Memorial Funeral Home 375 Broadway Newport, RI, US, 02840 info@memorialfuneralhome.com http://www.memorialfuneralhome.com Service JUN 29. 12:00 PM Emmanuel Church Newport, RI, US, 02840 42 dearborn street