James Johnson, a native of Seaforth, Ontario, came west with a survey party in 1884. During the winter of 1886-1887 he worked with Phil Weinard in the Big Lake area, Alberta. From 1887 to 1902 he worked for Hull's 25 ranch, the Oxley ranch and ran his own L4L ranch on Willow Creek, Alberta. In 1902 he and his wife Mildred moved to the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, where he worked for Malcolm Innis, a butcher. After operating the Astoria Hotel in High River, Alberta, for a few years, he returned to his ranch. During First World War he served with the Canadian Engineers, upon his discharge he became a brand inspector in Calgary, Alberta.