Virginia Johnson Obituary

Meridian - Virginia Lynn Johnson, known as "Ginny" to her Oregon family and friends, passed away on March 4, 2026 in Boise, ID with her family by her side. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication to her family and community. Born on May 5, 1946, in North Bend, Oregon, Virginia was the youngest of five daughters born to Harold and Mary Strine.

Virginia was born and raised in the Coos Bay area and graduated from Marshfield High School in 1964. She later attended business school in Portland, Oregon, setting the foundation for a long and successful career in the insurance industry. She spent time in Watsonville and Fresno, California before moving to Idaho. In 1973, she joined All-American Insurance in Meridian, Idaho, where she became Head Bookkeeper and supported the business until she and Jim retired and sold the business in 1999.

On November 11, 1979, Virginia married Walter R. "Jim" Johnson. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and service. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Carissa. She was deeply devoted to her family and spent years attending school and sporting events for her daughters, and later for her grandchildren as well.

Virginia believed strongly in giving back to her community. She was an Ambassador for the Meridian Chamber of Commerce and an active member of the Meridian Chapter of Soroptimist International, where she served on numerous committees and as President. Her passion for service led her to participate in many fundraising efforts benefiting local charities. In recognition of her commitment and leadership, Virginia was honored as Woman of the Year by the Meridian Chamber of Commerce in 2001.

Virginia enjoyed traveling with Jim and as a family to explore new cities and visit her family on the Oregon coast. She explored more than a dozen countries, including trips throughout Europe, Mexico, and Chile. One especially meaningful journey took her to Zleby in what was then Czechoslovakia, the small town where her mother was born. Virginia and Jim also cherished frequent trips to Hawaii, especially the Big Island, where they delighted in golf, great food, and simply spending time together in paradise.

In 1994 Virginia and Jim became founding members of SpurWing Country Club in Meridian, where they remained members for 29 years. Virginia took up golf and was actively involved in the Ladies Association, enjoying both the sport and the friendships it brought.

In 2009, Virginia was diagnosed with lung cancer, followed several years later by breast cancer. Although initially given just a couple years to live, through determination and strength, she endured repeated chemotherapy and radiation treatments and was eventually declared cancer-free. While the effects of treatment impacted her in many ways, including her balance and mobility, Virginia faced these challenges with resilience. She spent the last 8+ years of her life in assisted living, supported by the genuine care, love, and presence of her family and husband Jim, who visited nearly every day.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents and older sisters - Betty Lou, Bev, Yvonne, and Patty, as well as her nephew, Denny, who was more like a brother. She is also preceded in death by her grand-daughter, Alana Kay. Virginia is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Jared) Marshall and Carissa (Matt) Moorhouse, her stepchildren Michael (Jennifer) and Suzanne Johnson, her grandchildren Macey (Nick), Avery, Gabriel, Hailey, Ryan, Cali, Josie, Ty, Brennen, Lauren, and her great-grandson, Knight.

Virginia will be remembered for her strength and determination (sometimes displayed as orneriness), her love of all things purple, and visits with family accompanied by coffee or ice cream. Her life was one of service, perseverance, and her unwavering loyal dedication to her family. The family would like to thank the staff at Overland Court Senior Living and All-Care Hospice, who cared for Virginia and her family with compassion and dignity in her final days.

Virginia will be laid to rest at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, where Jim will later join her. Friends and family are invited to attend a drop-in open house Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 4th between 6:00-8:30 PM at the Center at the Park (Meridian Senior Center) located at 1920 N. Records Way, Meridian, ID 83646.