James Thomas Johnson, son of the late Bob and Lillian Moser Johnson, was born Sept. 27, 1936, in Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas. He went to be with the Lord on Aug. 14, 2021, in Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas. James spent his life as a loving husband, dad, papa, son, brother, and uncle. He married the love of his life, travel companion, and best friend, Connie Harp Johnson on September 4, 1957, in Dinuba, California, and raised two children.
He proudly served in the United States Navy during peacetime from 1955 – 1962. He began his naval enlistment on the aircraft carrier, The USS Yorktown before being transferred to the US Naval Station in Pensacola, Florida. His remaining enlistment was spent in Argentina, Newfoundland. He was honorably discharged in Brooklyn, New York in March 1962. After being discharged, he worked for Koss Construction as a paving supervisor for six years.
In 1968, he brought his family home to Arkansas to begin his dream of owning a farm and raising cattle. During this time, he also worked as a supervisor in machining at White Rodgers in Batesville, Arkansas. He retired in 1992 at the early age of 55 years to enjoy his farm and new granddaughters. James enjoyed fishing, bird hunting, garage sales, and auctions.
He loved reminiscing with family and friends and telling his stories of events in his younger years and experiences of his Navy life. His family was very important to him and his love for them was strong. He loved and served the Lord faithfully. He was an active member of the Mt. Pleasant Southern Baptist Church.
James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Connie Harp Johnson of the home; one son, Duane (Lisa) Johnson; one daughter, Carol (Tim) Whitehurst; three granddaughters, Amy Stanley of Rogers, Arkansas, Kallie (Will) Smith of Ward, Arkansas, and Meagen Whitehurst of Bradford, Arkansas; one great-grandson, Chy Stanley of Rogers, Arkansas; two brothers, Delmas (Betty) Johnson, and Conny (Jon) Johnson of Melbourne, Arkansas; one sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives, and many other friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Bobby Johnson of Mt. Pleasant, and one nephew, Kevin Johnson of Melbourne, Arkansas.
Pallbearers are Shannon Simpson, Chet Johnson, BB Johnson, Brad Duckett, Blake Johnson, and Mark Herrington.
Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 19 at 2:00 p.m. at the Southern Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Qualls officiating. Burial will follow at Reeves Cemetery.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.
