Name: Viewing for James A. Johnson
Start: 2019-03-21T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-03-21T21:00:00.000Z
Location: O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

James Arthur Johnson transitioned peacefully at home, on March 13, 2019. Mr. Johnson was born in Whaleyville, VA, July 2, 1925 to Junius and Margaret Johnson. The Johnsons moved to Hampton, VA, while he was very young. He attended Phoenix High School and should have graduated, but instead chose to lie about his age, so he could enlist in the Navy where he served two years. After returning home, he attended Hampton Institute, was commissioned and served in the Army during the Korean conflict. He was a postman in Hampton for over 40 years. After his retirement from the Post Office, he was a substitute teacher in the school systems of Hampton and Newport News. Mr. Johnson was very active in his church and served in many capacities. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He loved volunteering with the ROTC cadets at Hampton University until he was 80.Mr. Johnson was a member of the Peninsula Track Club and later, as a volunteer. His hobbies also included reading and bowling.Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Mary Evelyn Johnson and Theophilus Johnson; daughter, Constance G. Garcia; survived by his beloved wife, Katherine; brother, Lonnie; daughters, Joylette and Katherine; 6 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2019 at Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church. Viewing will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home followed by a wake service from 5 to 7 p.m. Mr. Johnson will lie in state from 9 a.m. until the hour of the service on Friday at the church. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Carver Memorial Presbyterian Church, 830 25th Street, Newport News, VA 23607. O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

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Published by Daily Press on Mar. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Johnson

Sponsored by O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

36 Entries

Fredrick Russell

April 23, 2025

I just watched hidden figures again. So very impressed with Mrs. Katherine Johnson. But I was equally impressed with how Mr. Johnson characterized in the movie, and how folk spoke of him who actually knew him.

Nik Sot

November 7, 2024

I am now a fan and an honor to have you in my memory. May God continue to speed your influence in this life and the next. Both you and Katherine are in my heart forever.

I thank you,
Nik

Alexandre Duquette

November 1, 2024

I watched the hidden figures movie and i would like to offer my condolences

Deniz Atik

July 14, 2024

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kingston Kelly

October 12, 2021

He was a good man born during a bad time. I couldn't imagine how hard it must've been for him to become a colonel.

February 25, 2020

Mr. Johnson, my Mr. Johnson, was our beloved mailman for many years. The kids followed him around the neighborhood, obviously impeding his progress as well as the neighborhood canine fanclub members, but he was always kind and patient to our intrusion to his route. He knew what we were all doing and asked my parents about me while off at college. I am so sorry of the loss to his family. He will always hold a soft spot in my heart. Rest well, sir...."my Mr. Jim Johnson".

Shirley Keith

March 25, 2019

We were so blessed to have had this fine gentleman deliver mail to our neighborhood. He was loved by all that he met and returned that love and attention to every kid he came in contact with. It warms my heart to hear them remember him so fondly after so many years have passed. Rest in peace, Mr. Johnson, and thank you for all the lives that you touched and made such an impact on.

The Keith Family

Mike and Sharon Kelly

March 23, 2019

Mrs. Johnson and family, we are so sad for your loss. We knew 'Jimmy' (as he introduced himself) from many running events. He warmly, sincerely made friends in his special manner. We will miss him & cherish his memory. Mr. Johnson was a special man.

Stephen King

March 23, 2019

Mr Johnson was a true joy. He was our mailman, and he had lunch with us everyday I was in 4th, 5th and 6th grade. We were overjoyed when he would sit with our class. During the summers when he was out on his route, he knew every kid in our neighborhood. He knew the families and was truly beloved. He was beloved because he was kind, considerate, always happy and he was truly part of our neighborhood. I recall with great fondness his smile. I am confident he is with the Lord - and my hope is knowing how fondly all the families around Kraft Elementary School truly loved him and enjoyed him brings some comfort to your family.

Douglas Mahone

March 23, 2019

It saddens me to learn of your loss. I have such fond memories of Mr. Johnson from my childhood. I moved away from Hampton more than 47 years ago but he left such a lasting impression that I still think of him often. My thoughts are with you and all of your family.

Kelley DuBois

March 22, 2019

I have fond memories of cousin James. I was most amazed that given the size of our family that he knew who I was and remembered so much about me. He always had a fun family fact for me and later in life, I would ask if he knew who I was and he was readily say, "I know who you are Kelley. You are Aunt Ressies' granddaughter and you went to George Mason, but I love you anyway" and let out a "cousin James laugh". I think that is what I will miss most is his laughter, his smile, his memory and his overall kindness. A true gentleman.

Tami Voris Swanenburg

March 21, 2019

So sorry for your family at the loss of Mr Johnson but your loss is heaven's gain! He was our mailman on Winchester Dr and the thought of him truly brings a smile to my face. Always happy, rain or shine, and knew every one of our names even 20 years after he retired! The world was a better place with him in it! God Bless you and your family, Mrs Johnson.

March 21, 2019

The Wythe Neighbors (Mimosa Crescent and surrounding community) extend our heartfelt condolences to the Johnson Family.

The Saucier's

March 21, 2019

Best Mail Man Ever. No one since can hold a candle to Mr. Johnson. He was a Legend in the Neighborhood. All the kids chased after him when he was on the street. They loved him. Mr. Johnson a true Gentleman and Great Person. We're glad we were lucky enough to know you. Thanks for Everything. To your family we wish the best and hope that they can find comfort in a life well lived. Our Prayers are with them at this time of sorrow. God Bless and God Speed Mr.Johnson.

R.D. Andrews

March 21, 2019

Our family are so sorry to learn that Mr. Johnson has passed away. Like so many in our neighborhood in and around of Kraft school we have fond memories of Mr. Johnson. My wife would write and tell me that while I was in Vietnam Mr.Johnson would always have some kind words when he delivered mail to her. Also, my children would tell me how he would often set with the children at Kraft school and have lunch with them. Mr. Johnson was one of a kind and he will be surely be missed by many. Rest in peace Mr. Johnson and thank you for all of your good deeds.

Samuel Scott

March 21, 2019

Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-9. The family of Samuel and Ann Carol Scott extend condolences to Katherine and the entire family. God be with you and our friend Jim.
Sam Scott

March 21, 2019

Cousin James,(I've never felt like I was on a first name basis with you),for as long as long as I've known you, you have been the ideal example of a person who lived their best life and did it to the best of his ability. Of all my cousins, you did more, went further, and led the most exemplary life. And, though I seem jealous, I'm not, I'm very proud to not only have known such a fine example of humanity, but to be related to him. Goodbye, cousin James, say hi to all the old folks for me.

Joan Carroll

March 21, 2019

My sympathies to the family!

Conway Downing

March 21, 2019

Rest In Peace my Alpha Line brother! Sorry that I'll miss your homegoing. Will see you on the other side in Omega Chapter. Conway Downing Jr

P Hall

March 21, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Susan Corvello

March 21, 2019

Mr. Johnson was our mailman in Hampton on Hunt Club. He was such a wonderful and nice gentleman. My condolences to the family.

Cheryl Wood- Tanner

March 20, 2019

Mrs. Johnson and family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Major Johnson's passing. He and my dad worked together many, many, years ago. He also delivered our mail on Winchester Drive. He always had a pep in his step and a smile on his face. He would eat lunch with us kids at Kraft elemnetry. The kids could hardly wait for their turn to have him sit at their lunch table. I saw him a few years back at a race in Hilton Village. He knew exactly who I was, my house number and street. He loved people and people loved him. You truly saw Christ in him everyday. Well done thy good and faithful servant.

Dicky Baughan

March 20, 2019

Mr Johnson was our mailman on Winchester Drive seems like no matter the weather he was always happy and had time to say a few words even when I was older RIP friend.

Brenda Gore-Pendleton

March 20, 2019

I am so sorry to learn that Mr. Johnson has passed away. I remember him as our mail carrier from our neighborhood & more importantly when he came to eat lunch at Kraft Elementary school. The entire lunchroom would scream for him to sit at their table. He was such a sweet man & he would always try to say hi to as many has he could. It has been many years, but I still remember his bright smiling face. I want to express my deepest sympathy to his entire family. May God comfort you all in the knowledge he brought joy to so many kids & was a kind human being.

Phillip Carter

March 20, 2019

My heart bleeds

Tracey Hensley

March 20, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Johnsons family. I have wonderful memories of him coming to Kraft Elementary all the time and sitting and having lunch with the kids in the cafeteria. We all had to take our turns as he would sit with different groups daily. In my mind I can still hear him laugh ...

Jane Preston

March 20, 2019

I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Mr. Johnson; but, what a joy it was to know him! We have crossed paths on several different occasions over the past 55-60 years. First and foremost, he was our mailman when I was a child. He was so kind and very patient with the many children in the neighborhood. In addition to letting us take turns unlocking the storage box, he wrote (and delivered) us letters when we stated we never got any mail. Many years later we crossed paths at an Alzheimer's support group meeting. He seemed touched when I showed him the "letter" he sent many years earlier. Our most recent encounter was when he was a substitute teacher where I taught.

What a blessing he was to so many! My condolences to his family.

Dorlyne Washington-Brown

March 20, 2019

To the family,I extend my heartfelt sympathy to tou all during this time of bereavement. I laugh with Jim in the later years because I remember him playing "Santa Claus when we were younger at the old church. He was always a hapyy spirited man, that loved the the children. He will be missed by many of love ones. Family hold ond and be strong. God is your refuge.

Tina White

March 20, 2019

I had the privilege of knowing Jimmy when my mother was at the Hidenwood. He had a blithe spirit and his faith in God was an inspiration for all. Prayers and condolences go out to his beloved family and loyal caretakers.

March 20, 2019

My condolences to Mr. Johnson wife and family. Mr. Johnson was my ROTC instructor at Heritage for awhile and I must say he was an awesome guy. My prayers are with you all during this time.

Edna Mitchell Boone

March 20, 2019

There is So much to be said about My Cousin James. He was A Wealth Of Knowledge of Family, Life and Living and His Eagerness To Share was His Joy. He was A Quiet, Mannerable, Man. Truly An Officer and A Gentleman. I Believe He is At Peace and Ready To Meet His Past Ancestors, and Him and His Cousin Debbie(who went home3/30/18) are having A high time discussing and meeting Our Ancestors, with Laughter and Joy. Say Hello to Them for Me and know I Love You All.

Edie Gilbert

March 20, 2019

To the family, please know that Mr. Johnson holds a very special place in the hearts of so many. He was our mailman when I was a child and we have so many wonderful memories of him. He was so kind and put up with so many questions from us kids. He will always be held in the highest regard in our family and in our hearts. Know that we are lifting you all up in prayer as you process your grief. Our hearts are saddened that he is no longer with us. Rest in peace and love, Mr. Johnson. Thank you for being such a positive influence on our neighborhood. You will never be forgotten.

Kristin Young

March 20, 2019

My condolences to all of Mr. Johnson's family. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Hearing my parents and his wife Mrs. Johnson tell me stories about how Mr. Johnson would hold me on his lap when I was a baby while he and Mrs. Johnson and my parents played bridge made me want to meet him in person. I got to spend some time with him two years ago and he was exactly as I imagined he would be: kind, distinguished, and interesting to talk with. He remembered holding me as a baby and that just warmed my heart.

Dr. Colita Fairfax

March 20, 2019

Had the opportunity to visit with the Johnsons many times, as Mrs. Johnson is my sorority sister. Lt. Col Johnson was such a blessed man, with so much integrity. I am praying for the family.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home

March 20, 2019

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Andrea Sanchez

March 18, 2019

To The Family of James accept my sincere condolences you are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you shared.
2 Thessalonians 3:16

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