James Lee Johnson was born on March 3, 1941, in Camp Seale, Texas to Fred Lee and Irene Johnson. He professed his faith in Christ at an early age. Affectionately called "Jamie Lee", he received his primary education in Newton county schools. His first job, was working for the Gentry's, loading grass onto a truck and driving
a tractor. Even as a young man, his strong work ethic was clearly evident. This was a trait that he would carry throughout his lifetime.
Some of his favorite shows growing up were; The Lone Ranger, Highway Patrol, Bob Steele, Hopalong Cassidy, Groucho Marx, All in the Family, Good Times, and The Jeffersons.
Upon finishing high school, James worked as an orderly at the VA Health Care Administration in Menlo Park. He was drafted by the US army in 1963, and served as a medic at the 12th Field hospital in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Upon his discharge, he became employed as a Ship Fitter at the Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard in San
Francisco, CA. There, he worked on container ships, aircraft carriers, tankers, and submarines. James attended St John Missionary Baptist Church, in East Palo Alto, CA and served faithfully on the usher board. He married Gracie Lee Davis, and to this union one daughter, Carla Jayne was born. After Hunter's Point closed in 1973, James relocated to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. He worked there until his retirement in 1995. He was well respected by his managers and peers, even receiving the "Employee of the Month" award. James became the proud father of 2 sons, Kiley Jermaine, and Trevor Brandon. As a living example, he showed them the foundations for life, survival skills, took them to visit relatives in Texas, and carried them with him on his work assignments in San Diego. He didn't like flying, so he drove everywhere! In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, working on his many cars and doing home repair. He was a master griller and smoker, and he loved to make ice box pie! No matter how far James went, he was always mindful of his foundation and family in Bon Wier. In 1995, he returned to Texas to enjoy his retirement after many years of dedicated service. In1999, he married the love of his life, Mary Brazell.
They worshiped together and attended Bible study at Belgrade Baptist Church, and Live Oak Church of God in Christ. They visited family and friends, family reunions, or just stayed home, and enjoyed one another's company. They were inseparable! He embraced her family as his own. He was well known to always lend a helping hand,
whether it was a water pump, air conditioner, generator, engine, he could fix it! But most of all, he never missed the chance of sharing the love of Christ wherever he went. He cared for his mother, Irene Cato until her passing in 2022. Even as his health failed, his faith never wavered. He joyfully shared his faith with hospital and rehab
staff, asking them if they had a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He will be fondly remembered for his kindness, work ethic, sense of humor, quick wit, friendly smile, and infectious laughter.

On May 15th, 2024, James was called home to rest in the arms of his Heavenly Father

We loved James dearly, but God loved him best.
He is preceded in death by; Curtis and Lydia Jackson, Fred Lee Johnson, Fred Lee
Johnson Jr, Curtis Jackson Jr., Charlie Jackson, Louis Jackson, Leon Jackson, Cedrick
Brazell, Irene Cato
Left to cherish his memories are; His loving wife of 24 years, Mary Johnson; His children; Carla, Kiley (Java), and Trevor Johnson; Children in love; Jamal, Gary, David, Alana, Marlene, Natalie, Kneeda, Chelette, Robin, Jeff, Don and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, in-laws, family and friends.