James Johnson

James "Jimmy" Earl Johnson, age 87, of Russellville, passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1937, in Dardanelle, Arkansas, to Varnell Johnson and Jophelia (Gay) Johnson.

James served four years in the United States Air Force before joining the Arkansas National Guard, where he completed a total of twenty years of combined military service. After retirement James used his expertise in repairing electronic devices to help people within the community. James had a passion for technology, he spent countless hours in his "computer room" researching and experimenting with technical applications, while broadening his knowledge and abilities in several technological areas. He was a Mason and worked many years as a maintenance and repair technician for Firestone. He was a member of Unity Missionary Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Sue Johnson; daughter, Debra Varner; granddaughter, Delisha Criswell; his parents; and four siblings, Jean Thompson, Verna Williams, Wendell Johnson, and Linda Thompson.

James is survived by two sons, James Johnson (Maria) of Houston, TX, and Michael Johnson of Russellville; four brothers, Jerry Johnson, Lewis Johnson, Claude Johnson (Dorothy), and Thomas Johnson (Susan); five grandchildren, Daniel Lopez, Jimmy Lopez, Johnathan Lopez, Michael Johnson Jr., Emma Johnson, Grover Criswell Jr, and Deion Stewart; 12 great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville, with Rev. Lee Dorsey officiating. Burial will follow at Reed Cemetery, with full military honors, under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.

To share memories or leave condolences, please visit the online guestbook at www.humphreyfuneral.com.