Obituary for Deacon James Johnson
I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course.
I have kept the faith. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
A Time To Be Born
James was born November 1, 1938 in Decatur County, GA to the late Melvin Johnson Sr. and Annie Johnson, who preceded him in death.
A Time To Sow
James attended school for a short period and joined Grant Chapel AME Church. He moved to Miami at the tender age of 15, with just enough for a bus ticket and a phone number of a family friend. While in Miami, he joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully: singing in the male chorus; was president of the #5 Usher Board; and president of the Church Anniversary and Nominating Committee Combined. He was ordained a Deacon in 1961, under the leadership of Rev. D.A. Bradley. James worked in the construction industry for many years as a plasterer before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Ethel Bussey-Johnson, in 1965. He later would partner in a joint venture – Dixie Plastering. After much success as part owner of Dixie, Jimmy stepped out on faith and started his own company, J & E Plastering. J & E quickly became known in the community as the family- owned, black business, that was responsible for completing many notable projects, including Parrot Jungle in Miami, FL, and various schools within the Dade & Broward County School Districts.
A Time To Reap
After a successful career as an entrepreneur for over 20 years, Jimmy and Ethel retired and moved back to their home state of Georgia. Jimmy continued serving as a deacon at Travelers Rest M.B. Church, under the leadership of Rev. H.B. Jeffery. Jimmy was one of the founders of The Last Chance male chorus and remained one of God’s faithful servants up until his last breath. Jimmy kept a praise in his belly and a shout in his lips, professing that he would praise the Lord at all times.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Ethel Bussey-Johnson; a son, Tracy Johnson; three daughters: Princess, Jacqueline, and Angela Taylor; six (6) granddaughters: Erica, ShaToya, Ellaneese, Warnae, Antionette, and Yshanda; five (5) grandsons: Donovan, Robert, Antonio, Javon, and Shawn; 5 brothers and 5 sisters: Howard (Betty), Clemmon (Grace), Helen (Rev. Sanders), Phearis (Reather), Elouise (Alfred), (Nora), Sammy (Mary), Daisy, Vern. Betty, Ann (Oliver) and Bobby; eight (8) great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Jimmy was preceded in death by: his parents, Melvin & Annie Johnson Sr., brothers and sisters: Ernie, Melvin, Pauline, Berthella, Willie, Elizabeth, and JW.
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I have kept the faith. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
A Time To Be Born
James was born November 1, 1938 in Decatur County, GA to the late Melvin Johnson Sr. and Annie Johnson, who preceded him in death.
A Time To Sow
James attended school for a short period and joined Grant Chapel AME Church. He moved to Miami at the tender age of 15, with just enough for a bus ticket and a phone number of a family friend. While in Miami, he joined Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully: singing in the male chorus; was president of the #5 Usher Board; and president of the Church Anniversary and Nominating Committee Combined. He was ordained a Deacon in 1961, under the leadership of Rev. D.A. Bradley. James worked in the construction industry for many years as a plasterer before meeting and marrying the love of his life, Ethel Bussey-Johnson, in 1965. He later would partner in a joint venture – Dixie Plastering. After much success as part owner of Dixie, Jimmy stepped out on faith and started his own company, J & E Plastering. J & E quickly became known in the community as the family- owned, black business, that was responsible for completing many notable projects, including Parrot Jungle in Miami, FL, and various schools within the Dade & Broward County School Districts.
A Time To Reap
After a successful career as an entrepreneur for over 20 years, Jimmy and Ethel retired and moved back to their home state of Georgia. Jimmy continued serving as a deacon at Travelers Rest M.B. Church, under the leadership of Rev. H.B. Jeffery. Jimmy was one of the founders of The Last Chance male chorus and remained one of God’s faithful servants up until his last breath. Jimmy kept a praise in his belly and a shout in his lips, professing that he would praise the Lord at all times.
He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Ethel Bussey-Johnson; a son, Tracy Johnson; three daughters: Princess, Jacqueline, and Angela Taylor; six (6) granddaughters: Erica, ShaToya, Ellaneese, Warnae, Antionette, and Yshanda; five (5) grandsons: Donovan, Robert, Antonio, Javon, and Shawn; 5 brothers and 5 sisters: Howard (Betty), Clemmon (Grace), Helen (Rev. Sanders), Phearis (Reather), Elouise (Alfred), (Nora), Sammy (Mary), Daisy, Vern. Betty, Ann (Oliver) and Bobby; eight (8) great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Jimmy was preceded in death by: his parents, Melvin & Annie Johnson Sr., brothers and sisters: Ernie, Melvin, Pauline, Berthella, Willie, Elizabeth, and JW.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
9
Apr
2:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Bruton Mortuary
635 Bruton Street
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Service
Tuesday
10
Apr
11:00 AM
Travelers Rest M.B Church
661 Cal Thomas Road
Whigham, GA 39897
Pastor Lonzy Harrison
Cemetery Details
Location
Open Pond Cemetery
Salem Church Rd.
Bainbridge, GA 39834
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