James Leo Johnson

Preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Joseph Johnson and Mary Catherine Spore Johnson, and siblings, Frances Roberts, Thomas Joseph Johnson, Jr, and Anne Muckle.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lorraine Tankersley Johnson, and their four children (and spouses): Cathy (Ed) Breland of Nashville; Nancy (Jim) Worley of Nashville; Jim (Leslie) Johnson of New York City; and Stephen (Heather) Johnson of Nashville. His nine grandchildren, all of whom adored their “Pop”, will miss him dearly: Chase, Cacky, and Coleman Breland; Elizabeth and Caroline Worley; Colin and Josephine Johnson; and Stephen and Sam Johnson. From a large family, Mr. Johnson is also survived by three sisters; Jane Armor, Alice Crowe, and Margaret Martin, all of Chattanooga, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in 1930, Mr. Johnson graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1952 with a Bachelors of Engineering degree. After graduation he took a job with AT&T in Jackson, TN where he met and married Lorraine. He spent his entire career with AT&T (including its successors) until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his life, he served on numerous business and community boards. He loved his family, friends, golf, exercising, crossword puzzles, and reading a good novel.

A man of integrity and charity, his passion was assisting others who were not as blessed as he. Following his retirement, he dedicated his time and efforts to the homeless of Nashville by volunteering and fundraising for the Room In The Inn. All who knew Mr. Johnson loved him dearly.

A celebration of his life will be held at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 10 am. The family will also be receiving visitors in the Fleming Center at Cathedral on Monday, December 29, 2014 from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Room In The Inn, 715 Drexel Street, Nashville, TN.

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