James Paul "Paul 4th" Johnson IV

James Paul Johnson IV, affectionately known as "Paul 4th" by his family and friends, died peacefully at his home on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, after a heroic battle with ALS. Born on Feb. 25, 1982, Paul grew up on Lookout Mountain where he was a member of The Church of the Good Shepherd, Episcopal. He graduated from The McCallie School and Clemson University where he received a degree in Business and Entrepreneurship. After returning to Chattanooga, Paul was employed by Johnson Murphey & Wright, Certified Public Accountants. Paul had a winning smile and a kind and generous heart. While attending McCallie, one of his favorite activities was tutoring children at Northside Neighborhood House. His reserved nature belied his passion for cars and racing them. Known as "Boost Junkie" to all his car enthusiast buddies, Paul was happiest in the garage working on his cars or on Chickamauga Lake water-skiing and riding his Sea Doo. Paul was a member and officer of the Clemson Car Club as well the Georgia DSM Club. In recognition of the exemplary demeanor in which he managed his valiant fight with ALS, Paul was the recipient of the 2016 Everyday Heroes Calder Willingham Award for ALS. Paul was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Dr. Paul Johnson Jr. and Luke Youmans. He is survived by his parents, Pam and Paul Johnson III; sister, Ardis (Matt) Zeleznak; brother, Stuart Johnson; nephew, David Paul Zeleznak; grandmothers, Nancy Johnson and Etta Mae Youmans; girlfriend, Hannah Hester; best friend, Christopher Cheek; and ever faithful companions, Dozer and Dasher. The family would also like to recognize Christa and Courtney for their caring assistance to Paul during his battle with ALS. A private memorial service will be held for Paul at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Paul to ALS of Tennessee, to Northside Neighborhood House or to a charity of your choosing.

This obituary was originally published in the Chattanooga Times Free Press.