James R. Johnson

James Roy Johnson was born November 27, 1928 on the Pitchfork Ranch near Guthrie, Texas, to Henry and Ima Johnson. He passed away in the early morning hours of December 17, 2010. Jim, as he was known to his friends and family, spent most of his growing up years in Lubbock, Texas, where he graduated from Lubbock High School in 1946. After a stint in the United States Army during the Korean War, he graduated from Texas Tech in 1954 with a degree in Petroleum Geology. In February of 1950 he met the love of his life, Vernell Higginbotham, at the birthday party of a mutual friend. Not wasting any time, Jim called her the following week and thus began a romance that never dimmed. They were married August 4, 1951 and cherished one another for over 59 years. The course of Jim’s life was inexorably altered on September 12, 1954, when he was in a near fatal oil field accident. He sustained multiple mortal wounds which led to the loss of a leg and other severe impairments. God’s grace, a dedicated medical team, and the support of his faithful wife and family saw him through many months of surgeries and rehabilitation. In the spring of 1956 Jim and Vernell moved to Midland where he was able to return to work for the Western Company for whom he worked for the next 25 years. In 1981 he set out on his own and became an independent consultant and geologist. When others might have easily given up, Jim persevered with faith, courage, and a sense of humor. He devoted himself to serving his two greatest loves—his Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah, and his family—his wife, two children, and seven grandchildren. Jim was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Midland for over fifty years. He volunteered in both the Children’s Ministry and Student Ministry for numerous years and counted it a privilege to serve as a Deacon. Jim, not able to chase down recalcitrant and rebellious children, learned to parent through the strong motivator of unconditional love. His son, “Little Jim” and daughter Linda, never wanted for their father’s blessing and it has made all the difference. His example of faith in Christ and fidelity to his wife leave a legacy that lives on. Jim is survived by his wife, Vernell; his son and favorite daughter-in-law, Jim and Robin Johnson of Frisco, Texas; his daughter and favorite son-in-law, Linda and Chris Whigham of Midland; seven grandchildren: Benjamin Johnson and his wife Bethanne of Frisco, TX; Tyler Johnson of Los Angeles, CA; Brady Johnson of Frisco, TX; Natalie, Abbey, Christian, and Maddie Whigham all of Midland. He is also survived by one sister, Judy Crockett, and her husband, John, of Houston and one nephew, Tommy Crockett of Houston.

Jim’s family would like to especially thank the members, friends, and staff of the First Baptist Church for their encouragement and help through the years. You all have truly been Christ to us. In these most recent years, the staff of Hospice of Midland has exhibited great care and concern for the needs of both Jim and Vernell for which we are very grateful. A memorial service of celebration will be held Monday, December 20, 2010 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.