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James Johnson Obituary

Johnson James A. Johnson, passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 and has now followed his wife Klara to a place of peace. He was born in Dolorosa, Mississippi on October 14, 1927. James was a humanitarian, civic leader, World War II veteran, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was instrumental in bringing neighbors and the citizens of Columbus together when he created the Driving Park Civic Association and the first neighbor watch. In his life he had numerous achievements and received many awards, so many as can't be counted. He was honored by both Presidents Clinton and Obama. He is survived by his children, James Johnson, Jr. and wife, Carol of Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter, Cassandra Lachman and husband, Wade of Newman Lake, Washington; and son, Anton Johnson and partner, Mary Ann Doria of Columbus, Ohio. Also noteworthy are his former son- in-law, Michael McLean and daughter-in-law, Maria Johnson. His grandchildren include Jade Johnson, Shannon McLean, Zachary McLean, Devin Workman, Zella Johnson, Sabina Johnson and Tarin Johnson. Great grandsons and twins are Wyatt and Braxton Terry. We also wish to recognize some very special friends, John Whitten, Jr., Donna Terry and Donna Boyd. Funeral Service will be held from 11 a.m.-12Noon on Tuesday, February 18 at Second Baptist Church, 186 North 17th Street, Columbus, Ohio. Family Hour will be from 10-11 a.m. Interment at 3 p.m. at the Dayton National Cemetery at 4100 W. 3rd Street, Dayton, Ohio. Messages may be sent to his family by visiting www.cotnerfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Feb. 10 to Feb. 12, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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T. L. Elliott

February 4, 2021

Your contribution to your community has not been forgotten. My pray is that those who come behind you have the same integrity and love for this community you had.

Jim Stowe

March 6, 2014

Mr. Johnson was a true community leader. Motivated simply by his committment to his neighbors, his community, his city...He was a friend and mentor and a dedicated public servant. I have missed him upon my leaving the city and now miss him all the more...his counsel and advice always met the mark and I so appreciate having known him...My sincere condolences go to you his family and my prayers for you will continue for you in the weeks and months ahead...God Bless you...

February 19, 2014

I wish to express my condolences to the Johnson family. Mr Johnson was a man that was impossible not to like. He was always upbeat and a man who expressed himself with dignity. He was a great man who will be missed.

February 18, 2014

To the Johnson Family, you have our family's deepest sympathy. Mr. Johnson will always be remembered for his hard work in the community and for his friendship.
From the family of Thomas and Ellen Hairston

Monica Stith

February 18, 2014

To the Family of James A. Johnson,
Met Mr. Johnson many years ago. He and Ms. Florence Holcomb encourage me to start the Driving Park Business Assoc. in 1987. Many meeting, walks, clean-up and lots of pictures I have. Always glad to see everyone at City Hall and the neighborhood meeting. Pioneer he was and good people.
Will be miss, work complete and will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace

Commissioner T. Elliott

February 17, 2014

Mr. J. A. Johnson one of a kind, one in a million, always to be remembered for his contribution to society. Remembering your ABC'S and the three C's.

Ray Eckles

February 17, 2014

I had the honor of meeting many times with Mr. Johnson while a commander with Columbus Police and director of security at Childrens Hospital. He was great to work with and I remember thinking after one of our interesting conversations that if only all of us could have the devotion to our community and the love of our fellow man that Mr. Johnson had, this would be a much better world. He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed by all. God's blessings on Mr. Johnson, his family and friends.

February 15, 2014

May GODS' blessings be on the James A. Johnson family.Continue to look to HIM during this time of bereavement.
The Driving Park Civic Association

S. Yolanda Robinson

February 13, 2014

Another icon has left us. I will never forget the hard work and love that James A. Johnson put into our community. We lift of his family in prayer and thank them for sharing him with us.

S. Yolanda Robinson

Charles Caldwell

February 13, 2014

Deepest condolunces to the family. James was a wonderful man and I enjoyed all the conversations I had with him. He certainly was a great man, kind and knowlegeable about so many things. He will be missed terribly.

Kathy Brinston

February 12, 2014

May GOD BLESS the Johnson family from the late B.C.and ERNA Brinston a dear friend of the johnson family james and klara will be missed and a person of himself could never be replaced the most beautyful person that I have ever meet and may GOD keep the family in total peace.

Herb Guyer/Sharfenaker USMC

February 12, 2014

God Bless/RIP,to ALL who served in WWII..The USA would NOT be as it is today..Thank YOU for your service.. and Semper Fi.

Mary Hamilton

February 11, 2014

May the residences of Driving Park keep his legacy alive, and my prayer is that God bless his family during this period of sorrow.

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