James Franklin Johnson

James Franklin Johnson 1/8/33 – 3/24/25
James (Jim) was a 1951 graduate of Rule High School followed by 4 years in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1959 with a B.S. in Business. He then moved to Atlanta for work where he met and married Betty Jean (BJ), on Christmas Day 1959, before returning to Knoxville, TN where they lived for the next 65 years with the exception of 15 years in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Jim was involved in various businesses in the 1960's until he started his own Real Estate Company in 1970 which dealt primarily with Commercial Real Estate. After retiring in 2000, Jim and BJ moved to Florida until 2016 when they returned to Knoxville to be closer to family. Jim enjoyed spending time with others and telling stories of his past. He was loved by all, and was happiest when around family, friends, and dogs. Jim is proceeded in death by his wife, Betty Jean (BJ) Johnson, Son, James Bradley Johnson (Fla), Brother Paul Johnson, and Sisters Zola Johnson and Dot Wolbach. Also proceeded in death by close friend Bobby Greg. He is survived by his Grandson, James Zachary Johnson and wife Ashley Johnson, and grandchildren: Wiley Paulk, Marleigh Johnson, Peyton Johnson, and Macey Johnson. Also survived by his grandsons' mother Karen Wallace and husband Chris Wallace, and son Luke Wallace and fiancé Lexi Miller. Jim is also survived by grandson Jacob Johnson, a career military member in Ft. Riley, Kansas, and family. Also survived by nieces and nephews in Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama, as well as close friends Hiam Zukerman, Bill Eastraling, Earl (Goose) Bruce, Bula Roddy, Vic Davis, Russell Carpenter, Shannon Pratt, and Terry Walker-Smith. An informal graveside funeral at Bookwalter Methodist Church Cemetery will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 12:00 noon. Donations to any local Animal Shelter in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosefuneraltn.com