James Thomas Johnson Sr.

James Thomas (Spike) Johnson Sr., of Bedford, Va., sadly passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2009. He was born on January 17, 1944, in Raleigh, N.C. James proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a car enthusiast and had been employed for years as a mechanic until becoming disabled. James was preceded in death by his parents, Carl V. Johnson Sr. and Ethel E. Johnson; and a brother, Carl V. Johnson Jr. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Frances L. Johnson, of Bedford; a sister, Lucinda Stepp, of Severn, Md., two sons, James T. Johnson Jr. and wife, Sandy, of Fredricksburg, Md., and Paul D. Johnson and wife, Sherry, of Bedford; a stepdaughter, Patsy M. Overstreet, of Bedford; two stepdaughters, Carol Sauder, of West Virginia, and Dana Kirby, of Maryland; five grandchildren, Laurie L. Coleman and husband, Bobby, of Bedford, Debra K. Mendoza and husband, Fredy ,of Lynchburg, Danney W. Karnes Jr., of Bedford, Katelyn M. Johnson and Dallas W. Ramsey, both of Bedford, and Tyler Johnson, of Fredricksburg, Md.; six great-grandchildren, Dakota A. Coleman, Chasity R. Coleman, and Autumn L. Coleman, all of Bedford, Selena G. Mendoza, Abigail M. Mendoza, and Ava G. Mendoza all of Lynchburg; four nieces; and two nephews. The family would like to thank the VA Medical Center for all their help and devotion in keeping James comfortable during this difficult time. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2009, at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford. Inurnment will follow in Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium at a later date. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, Va., 540-586-3443.