Deacon James Arthur Johnson, Sr. was born October 10, 1944 to the late Willie and Ola Mae Bryant Johnson. He went peacefully to his eternal rest on Thursday, June 6, 2013.

James graduated from Erwin County High School in Ocilla, GA. He was a retiree of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. and an active member of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, Sunday school teacher, chapel choir member, and a member of the Henry S. Lewis Choir. James enjoyed life. He had many passions, which included singing gospel music, gardening, and cooking. He was very friendly, and could start a conversation with anyone he met.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Reverend Arthur Battle and James Johnson; daughter, Melinda Johnson; grandchildren, Diondra Battle and Latoya Breanna Johnson; and siblings, Johnny Clyde Johnson, Frank D. Johnson, and Francis Wilcox.

James is survived by his wife of 37 years, Margie Dodd Johnson of the home; daughters, Amanda (Gary) Johnson-Anthony of W-S, NC, Jeanette Johnson of Fitzgerald, GA, and Nikki (Michael) Atkins of Greensboro, NC; sons, James Johnson, Jr. of Nashville, TN and Keith Johnson of Athens, GA; devoted grandson, James Dominique Johnson, Jr. of the home ;brothers, Willie (Viveca) of W-S, NC, Raymond (Betty) of Tifton, GA, Calvin (Claudette) of Atlanta, GA, Elijah of Fitzgerald, GA, Kenneth (Lavada) of Tifton, GA and Leon (Bridgette) Johnson of Kingsport, TN; one sister, Juanita King of Douglas, GA; and a host of many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Sherwood Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.