Tim Johns

Tim Johns, age 47, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on July 14, 2023 while fishing and camping on the St. Joseph River to celebrate his birthday.   The river was his go-to place of enjoyment since growing up on it, and he was doing what he loved to do. Tim was born July 14, 1976 in Berrien Center, MI, to William Joseph Johns and Frances Elaine (Gilbert) Johns.  He was the second son and third child of Joe and Fran, and grew up in Bridgman and Berrien Springs, MI.  He graduated Berrien Springs High School in 1994 and worked as a roofer and construction carpenter most of his life.  He could build or fix just about anything. Tim was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman and was never happier than when he was hunting, fishing, or camping in the woods.  He had mounted many of his trophies and loved venison.   The outdoors was where he wanted to be and would often sit outside in the day and sit by a fire at night talking with friends and family.  He had loved living in the hills of Kentucky, and was very much at home there, but he also traveled to many states to work or see friends and have adventures.  Tim would try just about any kind of activity, no matter the danger.  One of his most used sayings was, “I ain’t scared”.   He really enjoyed talking to people and he had stories to share for hours. Tim loved to have fun.  He loved to laugh and make others laugh too.  He would often call just to tell you something funny that happened that day.  He liked to turn the music up loud while working, dance a little, and say, “You got to move it move it” to make a hard job more fun.  He had a dance wave he would do if a song came on that he liked a lot.  “Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ Every Day” was a favorite of his. Tim had a big heart and would do anything within his power for his family and friends, or just to help out a stranger.  He considered some very dear friends as brothers and had a circle of “family” that meant the world to him!  He also had several beloved dogs over the years.  Tim did his best to live life on his terms.  He held strong opinions and strong beliefs and clashed with those who thought differently than him.  He knew his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was ready to serve in the way that he perceived the Lord would need him someday. The Timmer was proud of his stubborn red-headed German-Irish heritage.  He was definitely a character in life and he shall be missed greatly. Tim felt losses deeply.  He was preceded in death by his unborn son, his mother Fran, and his father Joe Johns, several uncles, aunts, cousins, and several “brothers”.  He was affected greatly by the passing of three greats in his life: his uncle Al Johns, his childhood mentor Muhammad Ali, who each passed just weeks apart from each other, and then his father, Joe, only two years later. He is survived by numerous good “brothers” and friends who remained very close to him, his sister Julie (Fitzroy) Duncan of Berrien Springs, MI, his brother Mike Johns of Cloverport, KY, and several nephews and nieces: Matthew Johns of Chattanooga, TN,  Troy Furst (Karla Mulzac) of Cleveland,  OH,  Savanna (Jay) Rasner-Thomas and their children Liam, Avery, and Ren of West Plains, MO,  Trevor (Heidi) Furst of Kalamazoo, MI, and Caleb and Charis Johns of Cloverport, KY, and two aunts and an uncle on his mother’s side, and several cousins. A celebration of life will be held from 2-4pm on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the brick building of Oronoko Township Park, 4583 E. Snow Road, Berrien Springs, MI to honor and remember Tim’s life.

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