James Kent Johnson III, “aka Yamni or Boogie” 21 of Rochester, MN passed away on August 18th, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a future that held so much promise.

James was born on July 5th, 2005, in Rochester, MN to Ragan Pudwill Johnson and James Johnson Jr. James graduated during a Native American ceremony at John Marshall High School. He was a proud Marine, earning the rank of Lance Corporal, and looked forward to all that life still had to offer. Among his greatest passions were working on cars and his love of Radiohead music. He took great pride in his most recent work with the Marines, where he had the opportunity to work on jets, which was something he thoroughly enjoyed. James had big dreams and a vision for a simple life ahead, surrounded by the family and friends he loved so deeply as those relationships were what mattered most to him.

James was born into a large family, which was fitting as family was everything to him. He was the beloved brother to seven siblings, each of whom held a special place in his heart. Though he was younger than two of his siblings, they all looked up to him in their own way. He was also incredibly proud to become an uncle last year, a role he quickly treasured, and looked forward to watching his nephew grow, making memories together, and sharing the lessons about life he had yet to teach him.

James was brilliant, curious, unbelievably kind, and full of life. He always seemed to have a story to tell, and there was never a shortage of memories to be made when James was around. He had a unique way of seeing the world and a personality that could not be easily forgotten. His stories, his laughter, his thoughts, and the little things that made him who he was will live on through the memories of those who knew and loved him.

Though James never needed or desired a complicated life, he had begun to enjoy some of the finer and more extravagant things that came with the success he was starting to achieve in his young life. At his heart, however, what he wanted most was simple: a life surrounded by the people he loved, ideally together on a family commune, a future he could be proud of, and the chance to make his own way in the world. He was just beginning to build that future and experience the life he had dreamed about when his life was unexpectedly cut far too short.

James will be remembered as a devoted son, a cherished brother, a loving uncle, a proud Marine, and a remarkable friend. His family will carry with them the countless stories he told, the moments they shared, and the love they had for each other. James left a lasting mark on the people who loved him. The love he gave, the memories he created, and the person he was will remain forever.

James is survived by his wife; his mother, Ragan Pudwill Johnson; his father, James Johnson Jr; his siblings, Tommy (Maddy) Pudwill, Zandria Goldsack, Bordan, Ava, Aydren, Kinnedy, and Rowland Johnson; his grandmother, Annette Pudwill; his great uncle, Butch Williams; his great aunt, Peggy Sue Zelinske; his aunts, Kara (Craig) Pudwill and Shannon (Jesse) Newcombe; his uncles, Adrian (Rosann) Pudwill, JT Pudwill, Jeff Johnson and Jesse Johnson; his nephew, Matteo Pudwill; and his cousins, Jackson, Emma and Dylon Pudwill, Brynley Bosch, Watson Bergenheier, Shane Johnson, and Jason Shadow.

Beyond his immediate family, James also created a family of his own through the deep and lasting friendships he formed throughout his life. These friendships meant so much to him, and the people he loved as family will miss him deeply; Kassidy Barton, Luke Hilleshiem, Alexander Doxtator, Marshal Doxtator, Shane Doxtator, Anthony Quelix, Alexander Hanson and Aiden Spohn.

While our hearts ache over the deep loss of James, we find comfort in knowing he is at peace and has been welcomed home and reunited with the loved ones who went before him, his great grandparents, Esther and Larry Lensing, and Theresa and Thomas Williams, his grandfathers, Jack Pudwill and James Johnson Sr; his grandmothers, Rita Pudwill and Charlene Christensen; his aunt, Brittany Slack; his father’s beloved fiancée, Anastasia Bychkavo; and his infant sibling.