James Thomas Johnson

1932 - 2022

HARRELLS — James Thomas Johnson, known to his many friends as Jimmy Johnson, passed the morning of this past Tuesday, June 28, 2022. He is survived by his daughters, Eugenia Lee Johnson and Jamie Johnson Moore, their respective husbands, David Coltrane Levin and Michael David Moore, as well as his grandchildren, Mary Margaret Johnson Pearce and James Stuart Oswald Moore and his great-grandchild, James Jones Boswell.

Jimmy was born to William Eugene Johnson and Inez Highsmith Johnson in 1932. Jimmy graduated a Kappa Sig from Wake Forest in 1955. He served with distinction as a medic during the Korean war as part of the M.A.S.H unit. After his return he married Sue Oswald resulting in a loving marriage producing three daughters, Margaret Highsmith, Eugenia Lee and Jamie Sue.

Throughout his ninety year life Jimmy embodied adventure. Flying was a personal joy of his that he took part in throughout his life. In 1951, at the young age of 19, Jimmy flew himself to New York to see Charlie Parker perform at "Birdland". This was one of Jimmy's fondest memories.

Jimmy was also incredibly politically active. He went to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, specifically the Farmers Home Administration. In total, his USDA service amounted to 25 years, including a stint as NC state director. During his time with the USDA Jimmy received multiple Superior Service Awards. He also served as chairman of the N.C. Federation of Young Republicans in 1962: Third Congressional District chairman for four years where his influential leadership style helped in implementing the FHA program in North Carolina.

After his retirement Jimmy proudly served as a board member for the Cape Fear Jazz Society, Moores Creek Battlefield Pres. Society and his Franklin High school Alumni Association.

Jimmy was a people-person above all else, when not serving civic or political obligations, Jimmy loved spending time on his porch in Wrightsville beach entertaining, annual trips sailing his boat and growing vegetables in his garden on his farm in Sampson county. He was widely loved and will be missed by many.

The service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 3rd at Siloam Baptist Church, 833 Tomahawk Highway, Harrells, NC 2844.