He was born July 31, 1932 in Sumter, SC to Johnny James Sr. and Ethel Johnson. Known as a
storyteller, Jim was quick to regale friends, neighbors and acquaintances with personal
anecdotes. He was a CPL in the Army 82nd Airborne Paratroopers during the Korean War Era,
a masonry contractor for 50+ years and owner of J&J Masonry. He enjoyed gardening, fishing,
traveling, going to water aerobics and was an avid member of Gracepoint Baptist Church.
Jim was preceded in death by his son James Earl, brother Johnny James Jr. and sister Zonnie
Gibbons. He is survived by his brother, Olin D. Johnson (Roberta) of Memphis, TN and lovingly
remembered by his children: Dillie Womack (Jimmy) of Foley, AL, Robert Johnson (Fen-Fen) of
San Antonio, TX, James M. Johnson, Jr. (Paige) of Memphis, TN, Sibyl Torrence (Thomas) of
Collierville, TN and Rena Blane (Timothy) of Germantown, TN plus 10 grandchildren and 10
great grandchildren.
A private graveside service will be held Monday, May 18, 2020 at Memphis Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gracepoint Baptist Church, 8801
Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018
