Obituary Amityville’s James K. Johnson

James K. Johnson of Amityville died April 3, 2023, after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was 73 years old.

He was past-Chief of the Amityville Fire Department, and former Executive Director of the Suffolk County Fire Academy. Chief Johnson joined the Amityville Fire Department as a member of Hose Company 4 in 1968 and achieved 55 years of service this year, a true testament of community service. Chief Johnson served two terms in each position working his way through the ranks as 3rd, 2nd and 1st Assistant Chief, eventually serving as Chief of Department for the years 1984 to 1986. Chief Johnson’s career in the fire service wasn’t just with the Amityville Fire Department. He worked for Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services as a Fire Marshal from 1983 until 1985. He then served as Deputy Director of the Suffolk County Fire Academy from 1985 until 1995 until he was promoted to Executive Director of the Fire Academy where he served from 1995 until 2003.

Chief Johnson is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years Marion (Marcley). His sister, Joanne Worsley (Richard) and brother, Ed Johnson (Pat). His mother-in-law Alma Hurlburt. sisters-in-law, Sue Spadaro (Ron), Ann Dunn (Sandy), Marcella Marcley (Greg Weegar), Amy Fulford (Greg), Alison Belkin (Josh), brothers-in-law, John Marcley (Mabel) and the late Robert Marcley (Charlyn). Adored uncle of 20 nieces and nephews and 21 grand nieces and nephews.

Chief Johnson was a respected firefighter, Chief, leader and most importantly a mentor to the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service. He is deeply missed and his legacy will live on. Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to the St. Martin of Tours RC Church Parish Outreach or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.