James Thomas Johnson

James Thomas Johnson was born in Durham, North Carolina on February 27, 1931 to Daniel and Rebecca Flintall Johnson.  He departed this life on Sunday, December 17, 2017, after a brief illness at The Hock Pavilion.  James was the fourth of five children; three of whom, preceded him in death: Henry Johnson, Marie Moize, and Daniel Johnson, Jr.

 James accepted Christ in his life as a young man, which led to him becoming a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church.  James was an active member until his health declined. He was a faithful member of the Celestial Choir, Male Chorus, Floral Club, and The Mount Vernon Credit Union.

James graduated from Hillside High School in 1948.  After which, he entered the United States Air Force.  After being discharged from the United States Air Force, James returned home to work at Liggett & Myers Tobacco Company, where he was employed for 37 years.  During this time, he met and married the late Marjorie Leon Mitchell.  From this union, five children were born.  After retiring from Liggett and Myers, James was employed as a custodian at Mount Vernon Baptist Church for over 20 years.

James was a true friend.  He loved his family and was a good provider. He was also considered a father figure to many of the young men and women in his community. He gave his affection freely and that will be sorely missed.  James was also quite the entertainer. He and his wife could be found on many occasions hosting friends in their home.  So much so, that their home was affectionately called the “Do Drop Inn”.  James had a laugh that was contagious.  His laugh could light up the neighborhood.  James was known for his outgoing personality, which included telling jokes and playing pranks on the people that he was most fond of.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Mitchell Johnson and his oldest son, Garcia Lamont.

James is survived by his four children: Barry Montell, Phyllis Marie, James Eric (Tonja), and Victor LaVel (Stacy); nine grandchildren: Latricia Eaton (Maurice) of Hampton, Virginia, Kimberly, Monique Dixon (Stephon), Marcus, Ebony, Erica, Isaiah, Noah, and Jonah; four great-grandchildren: Ahkel, Zyan, and Mosiah Johnson and Nasser Williams; one sister, Mrs. Barbara J. Smith (Charles) of Chicago, Illinois;   one sister-in-law: Rosa Jackson; one daughter-in-law, Ellen Johnson;  a host of nieces and nephews,  one godson, Nathan Bridges; The Family of Eurydice Smith and special family friends, C. Ray Jones and Family.

 Special Thanks to the staff of The Brian Center, nurses of Duke Medical Center 3200, and staff of The Hock Pavilion