November 26, 1944 - October 1, 2024
James Robert Johnson, 79, of Evensville, passed away at his home on October 1, 2024.
James was born November 26, 1944, to the late James N. “Son” Johnson and Pearl Porter Johnson. He was a 1962 graduate of Rhea Central High School where he was active in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America of which he was a lifetime member. He grew up on a farm and showed dairy cattle. He later established Johnson Polled Herefords which was selected the 1989 Premier Breeder by the Tennessee Polled Hereford Association. He was a longtime board member of the Rhea County Farm Bureau as well as the Rhea County Cattleman’s Association. James instilled his love of all things agriculture in his children and grandchildren.
James served his country in the Army Security Agency from 1965-1969. He was stationed in Bad Aibling, Germany, at the ASA installation there. Upon returning from service, he used his GI bill to receive his certification as a machinist from Chattanooga State Community College. He owned and operated Johnson Tool & Die for fifty years.
James loved to study and teach the Bible. He was a lifetime member of Wolf Creek Baptist Church where he taught the Men’s Sunday School Class. He also served as a deacon, an active member of the choir, and a teacher in the AWANA Children’s ministry.
As part of a musically gifted family, James and his brother learned to play guitar at an early age. They enjoyed making music with family and friends. James’s other hobbies included restoring antique Allis-Chalmers tractors, knife making and wood carving.
James is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances Brown Johnson; his children: Beth Sherrill and husband Dean, David Johnson and wife Jennifer, Robert Johnson and wife Jamie; his brother Don Johnson and wife Nadine; five grandchildren: Aaron Johnson, Katie Johnson, Jameson Fisher, Madeline Fisher and Merritt Johnson; a great granddaughter: Briella Bailey; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at Wolf Creek Baptist Church on Friday, October 4, at 3pm with the Reverends Paul Forgey and Clyde Fitzgerald officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until the time of the service. Interment to follow at Porter Hill Cemetery. The deacons of Wolf Creek Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers will be James’s grandsons.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lorie, Jamaica and the entire staff of Hearth Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Oz Fund at Wolf Creek Baptist Church, 5225 Wolf Creek Road, Spring City, TN 37381.