JAMES SOLOMON JOHNSON III

Professor James Solomon Johnson lll, 66, passed away at Research Hospital with family on February 10, 2014, after a courageous struggle with cancer. He is loved and will be sadly missed by his family, a wide circle of friends and students James attended Wendell Phillips Elementary School, Central Junior High, and graduated from Central High School in 1965. After graduating from Central High James attended the University of New Mexico, in Albuquerque where he earned a BA in Anthropology in 1970. He received an MA in Historical Archaeology in 1973 from the University of Kansas. James served in the US Army. James' work experience includes Director of Planning, Emergency Medical Services; Mid America Regional Council, Kansas City, MO, Adjunct Professor, Anthropology at Metropolitan Community Colleges, Assistant Professor Anthropology/Archaeology, University of Kansas, Archbishop O'Hara HS Instructor, Anthropology, U.S. and World History, Hogan College Preparatory Academy Instructor in Physical Science and J.S. Johnson Engineering & Archaeological Consulting, Raytown, MO. One of the highlights of James' career was the Civil War re- enactments that captivated the interest and attention of students as well as adults. Coaching-wise James was a strength and conditioning coach and a track coach. His expertise in the shot put and discus helped several student athletes achieve All-State distinction. Mr. Johnson combined academic knowledge with an ability to motivate students. With background in Anthropology, Archaeology, Genealogy and local History he captivated student interest and engaged them in the learning process. He was affectionately referred to as 'Professor Johnson' and 'PJ.' His father, Dr. James S. Johnson Jr., and brother Dr. Tommy Johnson preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Grace C. Johnson, his brother Dr. Nelson E. Johnson, sister-in-law Dr. Anne Lambert Johnson, nieces, Annell Johnson Dennison (Curtis), Anne Elizabeth Johnson Esq, nephew Tommy Seals Johnson and former student and future nephew Christopher Kelley. Services will be Saturday, February 15, 2014 Watkins Heritage Chapel at 2:00 PM with visitation from 1:30 PM to 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the VA Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.