James Andrew Johnson entered this world on August 8, 1937 in St. Paul, MN and left peacefully on November 21, 2020 in Lebanon, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Helena Johnson of Hobbs, NM, first wife Neita Arlene Johnson of Nashville, TN, and his grandson Jeremy Ryan Johnson, of Huntsville, AL.
Jim graduated from Baylor University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Music and went on to earn a Master of Divinity in 1980, then a Doctor of Ministry in 1985. He was given an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1973 from Union Baptist Seminary. Jim and Neita Arlene Griffin married in May of 1957 and were married for 46 years. Together they raised four children. Jim remarried in 2004 to Dorothy (Dottie) Johnson, of Watertown, TN. Jim is survived by his wife Dottie, brother, Robert Johnson, his children, Sherry Strom Duke, David Lynn Johnson and wife Robin, Philip Scot Johnson and wife Chris, and Melinda Kay Johnson Barker and husband Todd. He also leaves his grandchildren Bethany Johnson van Hulst and husband Emmanuel, Kristy Barker Harvell and husband Jake, Daniel Lynn Johnson, Rachel Elise Johnson, Kristian Barker and wife Michelle, Katie Barker Pendley and husband Trey, and Kaleb Barker and wife Karlie, and ten great grandchildren. Jim was blessed to perform the marriage ceremony for all his children and five of his grandchildren.
Jim was a pastor, evangelist, and theological scholar, spending his life dedicated to the Lord and preaching the gospel on 3 continents. His passion for worship and seeing lives transformed through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit impacted the lives of many for over five decades.
In his early ministry years, Jim and Arlene founded and pastored Abundant Life Church in Houston, TX where they mentored, equipped and launched over a dozen young pastors into full- time ministry. Jim and Arlene also traveled extensively around the southeast holding tent meetings as itinerant ministers. In 1997, Jim became an ordained priest in the Charismatic Episcopal Church and led several congregations in middle Tennessee.
In the 16 years Jim and Dottie spent together, they led services in impoverished areas of Nashville, ministering to both the physical and spiritual needs of the community. Jim’s primary focus was always to hear and follow the voice of his heavenly Father. He was ever willing to change and go in the direction the Ruach/Spirit of God led. In 2013, he and his wife began to learn the value of studying Torah, and keeping the Sabbaths and appointed times spoken of throughout scripture. He loved worship, the anointing, and being in God’s Presence.
Jim was also an accomplished musician, professional piano technician, farmer, police chaplain, airline pilot and instructor who inspired four generations of his family to fly. He will be remembered by family and friends as a godly man of intense dedication to loving the Lord and others well. We will miss his playful sense of humor, his loud, frequent laugh and his tender tears.
Visitation is Sunday, 11/29/20 at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Old Hickory, TN from 10:30-12:00, service following. Interment is at Valhalla Memorial Gardens at 3:30pm in Huntsville, AL.
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