James Massie Johnson Jr.

Thinking of you today! Very grateful to have known you as a teacher, a fellow percussionist and as a friend. I know you´re up there playing those timpani in God´s symphony

Massie and I both grew up in Lynchburg. We were playmates for many years. His mother would take me on many trips around Lynchburg. His aunt Helen Brown taught English at E C Glass. I was assigned to her class. She said it wouldn't be fair for her or me to stay in her class. She had me transferred to another class. She said I have known you since you were a little boy and hope I understood.

Massie was so kind to prepare me for my recital in 2002. He was always patient and very encouraging. I could not have done it without him! I think of him often and consider myself very fortunate to have known him.

Carol,
I just heard. Massie was a class act personally, professionally, and musically. I greatly enjoyed working with both of you at BMC back in the '70's. You two were an inspirational couple - I'm so glad I had the chance to know you both. Take good care.

Dear Carol and Family, You are in my thoughts at this difficult time following Massie's death.
I remember him from just about the beginning at Brevard. Thank you for your support of my dad and for honoring his memory with the beautiful letter you wrote in 1997.
Massie touched many young musicians' lives in positive ways. You can all be proud of that.
Blessings and comfort,
Alice Keith Pfohl Knowles

Roger and I were so sorry to learn of Massie's death. Both of you had such a wonderful positive influence on Mark. He plays in the jazz band at his church ane they play at shelters

Susan Hill

Dear Carol,

As we sit in our cabin at Brevard we think of you guys often. Annie and I are so very sorry to hear about Massie. I was relating a story about him today since we're playing Sibelius 2 this week. I remember so fondly playing Sibelius 1 with him several times and when we got to the 3 movement, the sound he could get out of those tympani was shockingly enormous for such a little guy. What a player! We will miss him terribly and please give the kids our best as well. ...

Dear Carol and family... What sad news to hear about your loss! You & Massie were such good friends & colleagues at BMC. He provided wonderful guidance to so many students and played so beautifully. I will cherish the good times we shared. Massie's genteel ways & musical excellence set a high standard for all of us to follow.

Dear Carol and family,

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Massie. He was such a huge part of my life and certainly of my career. I have such wonderful memories of both of you at Brevard. I have had you in my thoughts for all of these years and I am so sorry that I didn't get to see Massie again.

With love and sorrow,