Johnson learned the value of giving back through his humble upbringing. Growing up in working-class El Cajon, California, just outside San Diego, Johnson was a motorcycle prodigy at a very early age. With the support of his family, Johnson’s racing career started on 50cc motorcycles at the age of 5. His father Gary worked for a tire company while mother Cathy drove a school bus. With Jimmie and younger brothers Jarit and Jessie in tow, the family spent most weekends camping and doing what they loved – racing on two wheels and dirt up and down the west coast.