James Paul Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Paul Johnson
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| Member of the Colorado Water Conservation Board | |
| In office 1985–1987 |
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| Governor | Richard Lamm Roy Romer |
| Member of the Colorado Supreme Judicial Court Nominating Commission | |
| In office 1984–1986 |
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| Governor | Richard Lamm |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 4th district |
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| In office January 3, 1973 – January 3, 1981 |
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| Preceded by | Wayne Aspinall |
| Succeeded by | Hank Brown |
| Judge of the Ault Municipal Court | |
| In office 1962–1965 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | June 2, 1930 Yankton, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Died | November 16, 2023 (aged 93) |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Northwestern University (BA) University of Colorado (LLB) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1952–1956 |
| Battles/wars | Korean War |
James Paul Johnson (born June 2, 1930 – died November 16, 2023) was an American politician and lawyer from Colorado. He was a member of the Republican Party and served in the United States House of Representatives for four terms, from 1973 to 1981. He also worked as a judge and served on important state boards in Colorado.
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Early Life and Education
James Paul Johnson was born in Yankton, South Dakota, on June 2, 1930. His parents were Fred and Evelyn Johnson. He went to Northwestern University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1952.
After that, he studied law at the University of Colorado. He even worked on the Rocky Mountain Law Review, a special law journal. He finished law school in 1959.
Military Service and Family
In 1952, Johnson joined the United States Marine Corps. He became a first lieutenant and was a jet pilot during the Korean War. He served in the military from 1952 to 1956.
While at Northwestern University, he met Nancy Brown. They got married on the same day they graduated! They later had two children. In 1959, the family moved to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Early Legal Career
Johnson became a lawyer in Colorado in 1959. For a short time, he worked in a private law office. Then, he became a deputy district attorney for the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado, serving from 1959 to 1966.
He also worked as a Municipal Judge for Ault, Colorado, from 1962 to 1965. From 1964 to 1966, he was an assistant district attorney.
Political Journey
Johnson was involved in politics for many years. He was a member of the Poudre R-1 School Board in Fort Collins, Colorado, from 1969 to 1971. He also attended Colorado State Republican conventions as a delegate from 1960 to 1972.
Running for Congress
In 1966, Johnson tried to win a seat in the United States House of Representatives, but he didn't succeed that time. During this campaign, he spoke out against the Vietnam War.
He ran again in the 1972 elections and this time he won! He served in the House of Representatives from 1973 until 1981.
In 1978, he apologized for a strong comment he made about President Jimmy Carter's water policies. He had said that Carter "bombed us without a declaration of war" regarding his water projects in the Western United States.
Later Life and Legacy
After leaving his position in Congress, James Paul Johnson went back to practicing law in Fort Collins, Colorado.
He continued to serve his state in other important ways:
- He was a member of the judicial nominating commission for the Colorado Supreme Court from 1984 to 1986. This group helps choose judges for the state's highest court.
- He also served on the Colorado Water Conservation Board from 1985 to 1987. This board helps manage Colorado's water resources.
James Paul Johnson passed away on November 16, 2023, at the age of 93.
