Remembering 2019 Inductee Tim Johnson
Image Courtesy of The United States Senate
Former three-term U.S. Senator and five-term U.S. Representative Tim Johnson (1946-2024) passed away Tuesday, October 8 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 77.
We are deeply saddened to hear of Senator Johnson's passing and extend our thoughts to his family and friends at this time. At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, we are honored to continue to share his legacy with future generations of South Dakotans. His influence has strongly impacted South Dakota and his policy work during his 36 years of service to the state has bettered the lives of every South Dakotan. The South Dakota Hall of Fame is currently accepting memorial gifts in his honor.
Tim Johnson received what family members describe as “the best possible start in life.’’ He was born on December 28, 1946, in Canton, South Dakota. His father, Van Johnson, taught chemistry and coached football at Canton High School, and his mother, Ruth, devoted her life to creating a love-filled home.
Tim graduated high school in Vermillion and received B.A., M.A., and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of South Dakota. Most importantly, he met Barbara Brooks from Sioux Falls on campus. They married and shared a lifetime of dreams and goals.
In 1977, Tim told Barbara he had been asked to run for the state House of Representatives. With two young children, she tried to talk him out of it. The fire of service burned strong in Tim’s heart and she relented, saying he could “run for election until he lost.’’ Tim was a winner, and that first campaign set up a public service career like few others.
During his first term, he earned a reputation as a hard worker, a good listener, and a bit of a policy wonk. He served two terms in the state House and in 1982, he ran for the state Senate and won.
Tim recognized early on that anyone who wanted to understand government priorities needed to know where the money was being spent. He played a pivotal role in the passing of the first Domestic Violence legislation which funded shelters and support for victims. This was a highlight of his legislative service in South Dakota.
In 1986, Tim was elected to the state’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his first term in Congress, he authored and passed more legislation than any other freshman member.
Tim went on to work tirelessly in Congress for South Dakota’s needs. The state desperately needed clean, dependable sources of water, and Tim made water projects a priority throughout his career.
In 2005, when a federal commission targeted Ellsworth Air Force Base for closure, Tim joined the congressional delegation and governor’s office to ensure that the base would remain open. In the years after that, he helped strengthen the base infrastructure to ensure that Ellsworth would remain a highly valued asset.
Tim was an advocate for Native Americans — securing funds for housing, medical care, clean water, schools, infrastructure, and education. He also procured millions of dollars for value-added agriculture. He was a leader in ‘Country-of-Origin’ labeling of meat products, as well as a lead author of the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Unfortunately, Tim’s greatest challenge came on December 13, 2006, when he suffered a massive brain bleed. The doctors told Tim’s family that he might not wake up from the medically-induced coma. Tim did wake up, but then they thought it was unlikely that he would walk again. Defying the odds and relying on outstanding medical care, he survived and began to recover. In rehab, he exhausted his therapists — pushing himself through demanding routines. In September 2007, he returned home to a large welcoming crowd in Sioux Falls. Although he would face physical and speech challenges for the rest of his life, his spirit was undaunted.
Upon his return to the Senate, Tim gave a speech on the Senate floor thanking his colleagues for their support during his absence. In a rare bipartisan show of support for their friend, nearly every seat was filled.
Tim was elected to his third term in the Senate in 2008 and was appointed to be Chairman of the powerful Banking Committee, where he strove to balance the needs of large and small banks. As chairman, he crafted the public transportation bill to reflect the needs of rural areas. The bill increased rural funding from $10 million to $13.8 million.
In 2013, Tim announced that he would not seek a fourth term saying, “It is time for me to say good-bye.” He returned to South Dakota to enjoy his well-earned retirement with Barbara, their three children, and eight grandchildren.
It’s hard to believe Tim almost didn’t run for public office the first time he was asked. His ultimate decision to seek a seat in the House as a Democrat was very fortunate, to say the least, for South Dakota and the entire Nation. Tim’s affable manner and thoughtful approach to solving problems, along with his ability to work with people regardless of political or other affiliations, resulted in policies and initiatives that improved the lives of millions.
Former U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson, whose lifetime of public service, earned him the Lakota name Wacante Ognake (Has a heart for many people). Tim had a heart for many people, indeed.