James Johnson had a star-studded 4-year career in track at NDSD. During his last two seasons, he was one of the top high hurdlers in the State, winning against Class A and Class B competition. He closed out his career with a third place in high hurdles at the State Class B Track Meet, setting a still standing school record of 15.2 in the process. He was the anchorman on the 440 and 880 relay teams which won third places in both of these events at the State Track Meet in 1968, setting school records.