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James Johnson Obituary

James Terry Johnson

Memphis, TN

James Terry Johnson was born April 3, 1943 in Memphis to Nina and Jimmy Johnson. After a week of being ill, he passed away suddenly March 19, 2016. He is known to many as Terry, Doc and TJ. Early in Terry's career he was a professional drummer for the "Mar-Keys" at STAX studio. Following his music career he went back to school, as encouraged by his father, and graduated from the University of Memphis with a Ph.D. in Psychology. He was the clinical director at North East Mental Health Center and Genesis of Jackson. He was also a director of Children and Youth Services at Frayser Family Counseling Center. Some of the highlights of his career include: authoring and implementing the Therapeutic Foster Care Program, Therapeutic Nursery Program and Youth Day Treatment Program; these became model programs for the state of Tennessee and many other states. Terry was also part owner of Fino's From The Hill in collaboration with his wife Joann. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many.

Terry is survived by his wife Joann; his sons Charly, Donnie (deceased) and JJ Ryan; his daughter Deidra Ryan, 8 grandchildren and one great- grandchild. He leaves behind numerous friends, musicians and golf buddies.

A visitation will be 2 pm - 4 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016 at Canale Funeral Directors, 2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN, 38112.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Apr. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

Steve Cropper

April 9, 2016

I will never forget our rehearsals in his parents den. Terry was a great drummer and a friend for life. he always
kept me updated on the Memphis scene & happenings. With much love,

Mike Deming

April 6, 2016

I have great memories of Terry and his family. Specifically on Normal Circle where he lived in the 1970's near my Grandmother's house. May God bless Terry and his family during this time! May Gid bless Donnie as well as Ibfid not know he had passed. Terry was a great Memphian, musician and person to all who met him!

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Funeral services provided by:

Canale Funeral Directors - Memphis

2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, TN 38112

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