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BORN
1932
DIED
2025
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James Johnson Obituary
July 18, 1932 - June 27, 2025
James Johnson Jr., "Dinky," 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the VA hospital in West Haven on June 27, 2025. He was the loving husband of the late Edna M. Laiscell Johnson. James was born on July 18, 1932 in Waterbury, CT, the son of the late James Johnson and Sara Holmes Johnson. He graduated from St. Paul's College in Lawrence VA with a double major in math and science and served in The United States Air Force with an honorable discharge in 1958. He was a dedicated and influential educator for the New Haven Public School systems and eventually retired from Hillhouse High School.
He was a great man of faith and an active member of the St. Stephen's AME Zion church in Branford. In addition to his teachings and mentoring, he had a love of music, in which he taught and played the tenor saxophone and organ. He became a multi-talented figure in New Haven's Jazz community and owner of the infamous Dinky's Café in New Haven, where local and national musicians performed. His diverse role as an educator, musician, and owner made a significant impact on the jazz scene in New Haven, making him a respected and influential jazz legend, who shaped and preserved the rich heritage of the city.
James was the beloved father of James Johnson III (wife Danielle Perry Johnson), Rhoda Phillips, and his predeceased daughter Brenda Walker. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren, Walter, Kareem, Meagan, Brendan, Briana, Sophia, and Peter, and several great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Doris and Lottie, and brother Zachary. He was predeceased by his brothers Norman and Donald Johnson, and his sisters Gertrude and Ina Carol.
The funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen's AME Zion Church on Rogers St. in Branford. Burial will follow in Branford Center Cemetery. Friends may call Monday, July 7, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson
RONALD BRAGGS
July 12, 2025
I am truly sad to hear this. Dinky was loved by me and so many people. It was always a joy to be in his company. He will be truly missed. We've lost another of the great ones in the New Haven jazz scene. Ron Braggs Sr.
JOYCE MERCER
July 9, 2025
MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO THE ENTIRE JOHNSON FAMILY. DINK WAS TRULY AN AMAZING PERSON, ONE OF THE BEST. MAY HE REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE.
The Consiglio Family and Vinny too
July 7, 2025
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your father and father in Law. May he always ride on angels wings and may he be with others whom he knew and loved .
L. QUINCY STANKWICH, CLARK, N. J.
July 6, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Later Home Boy!
Marie DePina Almeida
July 5, 2025
To Jim & Rhonda, Sending my sincere condolesences of the transitioning of your Father. My Dinky's soul rest in God's Peace.
Denise Farina
July 4, 2025
Dear Junior & Rhoda,
I´m so sorry to learn of your beloved dad´s passing. He was a true gentleman and a great father. I know he´ll be truly missed. May he rest in peace.
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Funeral services provided by:
W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home244 N. Main Street, Branford, CT 06405
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