James Willie Johnson, Sr.

James W. Johnson, Sr., age 85, a Rock Island, TN resident and Van Buren County, TN native was born November 25, 1934 and passed from this life Saturday, October 3, 2020. He was preceded in death by parents Floyd and Maggie Martin Johnson; sister, Anna Lou Crittenden; nieces, Cathy, Sherry, and Cynthia; and great-granddaughter, Angel Grace Johnson. Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 68 years, Nina Martin Johnson; sons, Mike (Renee) Johnson, James (Kathy) Johnson, Jr., and Mark Johnson; grandchildren, Chasity (J.P.) Dodson, Jeremy Johnson, Heather (Scott) Comer, Tiffany (Danny) Redman, Ashley (Willie) Prater, Brannon (Eryka) Randolph, and Saige Johnson; great-grandchildren, Wesley Johnson, Jon-Tyler (Allison) Dodson, Tilly Dodson, Kinzie, Bailey, and Lilah Johnson, Jackson, Jarrod, and Julianna Redman, Jonas, Maggie, Willie, and Marcus Prater, Gage and Avalei Randolph; great-great grandson, James Luke Dodson (his fifth generation). James was a 40 year plus truck driver, retiring from Howard Bear Trucking in 2000. He was an outstanding civic leader in his community where he played a large role in the Rocky River Softball Park. He was editor of the Rocky River News in the Southern Standard for many years. Mr. Johnson was also known by many as “Mr. Blue Grass”, where he gained his fame for promoting blue grass music for 19 years with indoor and outdoor concerts. He was recognized for his work in promoting of the blue grass music by State Senator, Ron Ramsey. He found a great love for gardening where he raised prize winning fruits and vegetables that he freely carried to his family, friends, and neighbors. Every Sunday you would find him in his beloved church, White Hill Church of Christ leading the congregation in praising hymns. He was his great-grandchildren’s biggest fan rarely missing a basketball game and found in his regular seat cheering them on. He was loved and will be missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 9, 2020 in High’s Chapel with Rickey Burks officiating. Burial will follow in White Hill Cemetery in Van Buren County. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at High’s. The family ask that everyone wear mask and practice social distancing at funeral home and cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.