JOHNSON James Dwight (Jim) Johnson, 85, died August 11, 2017 at Carolina Meadows in Chapel Hill, N.C. Son of the late Dwight and Mildred Johnson of Benson, N.C., Johnson moved from Chicago in 1967 to become organist- choirmaster of St. Paul's By-the Sea Episcopal Church from which he resigned in 1989 to become a distinguished piano teacher. Johnson is survived by his sister, Gwen Finlayson, and nephew David Earnshaw and wife, Stephanie, great nephew Sam, great nieces Suzanne and Julia, and step-mother, Lettie B. Johnson and family, numerous cousins and friends. His cremated remains will rest in the family plot in Benson, N. C. A memorial service will be held at Carolina Meadows at a later date. Appreciated is your support for the Beaches Fine Arts Series Founder's Fund, 416 12th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250. Condolences may be sent to Gwen Finlayson, 1 Carolina Meadows, Apt. 202, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27517or e-mail [email protected].

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Published by Florida Times-Union on Aug. 15, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson

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9 Entries

Mike

August 6, 2019

I drive past Jim's house in Jacksonville Beach almost every week and it is a constant reminder of a much missed close friend. Miss you, James.

August 30, 2017

All three of my daughters had many years of piano lessons from Jim. The music he guided them to appreciate and play is now forever firmly rooted in them and will bring pleasure for the rest of their lives. He was a very special teacher. He was able to keep them playing right through senior year of high school.
I so enjoyed his open mind, his playful ways, his unique form of energy and calm. He was indeed a gift in our lives. Thank you Jim. God's speed.

Love, Cathy Fitzpatrick

Jim in 1991 at O'leno State Park

Mike P

August 30, 2017

1991 at O'leno State Park

Mike P

August 30, 2017

Pic of Jim from 1991

Mike P

August 30, 2017

Jim was one of my first friends in Jacksonville Beach. I enjoyed attending his student recitals and celebration events at his home and felt privileged when he attended our Thanksgiving meals.

We spoke regularly and I will miss our conversations.

He is such a very knowledgeable soul about current events and global perspectives.

Thank you for sharing your time with me, Jim.

Tad Cliplef

August 21, 2017

Tad Cliplef

August 21, 2017

Had he not been the marvelous piano teacher he was, Jim would have been a splendid psychotherapist. Some of our lessons were spent with me talking about life's problems and Jim listening and then asking just the right question that would get to the heart of the issue. I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Something about his caring spirit provided the safety to become honest with him.

Jim was my first true music teacher. He would stop me mid-way through a piece and say, "Grieg meant for that to be a cowbell in the distance". Evidently, I was playing the treble notes more like an obnoxious doorbell. He taught me to sing a piece before I played it. He taught me to be mindful of lyricism while I played.

I think my favorite exchange with Jim came after a performance of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring at the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra many years ago. I told him I wasn't crazy about the music and thought it sounded bleak, like two lone surviving plants trying to talk to each other after a nuclear attack. Jim's response, "Oh, I think that would be the loveliest sound in the universe".

Goodbye friend

Amy Wilson

August 20, 2017

I have known Jim Johnson for 43 years. He taught me how to sing at the early age of 10. A skill and passion that I carry with me to this day. I am forever grateful for the gift that he gave me! As an adult, I took piano lessons from Jim in his Neptune Beach, Florida home. We shared so many wonderful memories from our early times together. He was a masterful teacher, pianist and organist! And as adults, we became close friends. His mind was as sharp as a tack throughout his entire life. His quick sense of humor was incredible. I was always amazed by his precise memory of people, places and experiences. He and I share the same birthday. From now on, I will raise my glass to James Dwight Johnson on our birthday. For the teacher that he was, for the man that he was, and for the friend he became to me. He will surely be missed by many people. I miss him.

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