James Lester Johnson

We who recognize this man have our own stories. They are far more important than anything that follows. So let’s cherish, share and live them out.

How did we come to have Jim? He was born September 10, 1934 to Clara Raper and John Lester Johnson in Winston-Salem, NC. There he completed his early education and moved on to Moravian College and Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. After graduation from seminary in 1959, he came to Charlotte to serve with Bishop Herbert Spaugh at Little Church on the Lane, then succeeding him as senior pastor. Bishop Spaugh encouraged him to become involved with the work of United Family Services where he soon served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 1972 he left the pulpit ministry of the Moravian Church and his career focus became service to families. He joined Director Ed Nadleman at United Family Services. During his 27 year tenure there, he was instrumental in creating programs for Family Life Enrichment, The Shelter for Battered Women, Victim Assistance/Rape Crisis and Employee Assistance Programs for business and industry. Along the way he provided consultation and training for such diverse groups as the NC State Bar Associates, United Way planning bodies, local and regional law firms and law enforcement agencies, regional and national family service agencies. He also served as an officer and board director on a variety of community and civic organizations. He retired at the end of 1999. His gold watch was a Trek bicycle. The many persons he mentored over the years attest to learning servant leadership through his example. Besides biking and running, in retirement he became a counselor at Urban Ministry Center, director of Room in the Inn program at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and had more time to enjoy the close knit neighborhood of Fourth Ward.

In 2002 Moravian Theological Seminary presented him with the John Hus Award, given in recognition of his outstanding ministry to families and community.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Edith Tesch Johnson; one son, Jeffrey Johnson of Dallas, TX; two daughters, Beverly Vaughn of Cary, NC and Kaye V. Johnson (Cecil) of Advance, NC.; a grandson, Jonathan Johnson of Wilmington, NC; granddaughter, Brittany Thomas of Clayton, NC; and his sister-in-law, Martha Ellison Johnson of Lexington, NC. His older son, James Herbert Johnson and his brother, Terry Wayne Johnson preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, July 27, 2013 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Interment will follow in the church garden. The family will then welcome friends in the parish hall.

The family suggests that Jim may be honored by donations to the Urban Ministry Center, the Shelter for Battered Women or Hospice of Charlotte.