Mr. James Johnson

James Johnson began his journey through life on October 23, 1932. He was the eldest of two children born to the union of Ted and Beatrice Johnson in Columbia, Mississippi. He received his formal education within the Marion County School System in Columbia, Mississippi. James accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Friendship Baptist Church in Columbia, Mississippi. After relocating to Milwaukee Wisconsin, he joined the Tabernacle Baptist Church and Male Chorus. While in elementary school James had a school boy crush on one of his classmates, Martha Corine Jackson. During his early years his heart told him she would be his future wife. Martha's kindness, her humble and quiet spirit impressed him. The Lord granted his childhood wish and they were united in holy matrimony on August 22, 1953 in Columbia Mississippi. The union was blessed with six beautiful children. James was employed by Milwaukee County for 25 years before retiring in 1986. During his career, he received many plaques and certificates of recognition for his hard work, commitment to excellence, and dedication to the organization. He was known for his ability to quickly learn complex machinery and operate it efficiently. James enjoyed singing, so he didn't hesitate to join the male chorus at Tabernacle Baptist Church. James had a strong tenor voice but had a wide range of vocal ability. Because James loved singing, his voice could be heard throughout his home. James' signature song that he loved to sing at home was "A.t The Meeting" by the Sensational Nightingales. He sang the song so much the whole family knew all the words. He loved listening to gospel quartet music. Whoever came to his home would be entertained for hours by his vast music collection. In his later years, some of the staff at Symphony of Glendale Rehabilitation Center knew James loved music and they would ask him to sing. He would gladly begin singing a classic gospel hymn "Father I Stretch My Hand To Thee." After a mild heart attack his health began to decline. The Lord called him to rest on Sunday, October 8, 2017. He passed away peacefully at Symphony of Glendale Rehabilitation Center in Glendale, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his beloved father, Ted Johnson; mother, Beatrice Johnson; step-mother, Bessie M. Johnson; beloved sister, Irene Downs; daughter, Elois Phinnessee; niece, Bobbie Jean Moffett; cousins, Rayford May and Tara Daniels; and grandson, Letonio M. Davis. He leaves fond memories in the heart of his loving and devoted wife, Martha C. Johnson; sons, Dr. James E. Johnson and Terry (Florida) Johnson of Milwaukee WI; daughters, Evelyn (David) Battle of Mishawaka IN, Pastor Linda (Leon) Davis of Milwaukee WI, and Martha S. Johnson of Milwaukee WI; granddaughters, Tamara Davis, Antronette Fox, Shemia Davis, and Sheltrina Davis; grandsons, Demetrius Davis, Terry Johnson [r, Jermaine Davis and Vincent Battle; nieces, Janice Spiva, Barbara Ann Luckett, Jeraldine Moffett and Michelle Moffett Harris; nephew, Jessie Moffett; and cousins, Beulah Christopher and Raymond Daniels.

Mr. James Johnson

October 23, 1932 - October 8, 2017