James Oliver Johnson

Reverend James Oliver Johnson, 82, of Nacogdoches, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 8, 2025. James was born on October 11, 1943, in Shelby County, Texas, to Robert Doyle Johnson and Agnes Izabelle (Davis) Johnson.
As a boy, James attended Excelsior School, where he loved spending time with friends-and, more than once, sneaking away in the afternoons to fish behind the school with an old pole he kept hidden back there. Those simple country days shaped his love of nature and his easygoing spirit that everyone would come to know and love.
As a young man, James began his service in the United States Army, where he served his country as a cook during the Vietnam War. While home on leave, he met a beautiful young woman named Julia Nell Sparks. It didn't take long for James to realize she was the one. After just three dates, he proposed, and Julia said yes. Following a brief time stationed in Kansas at Fort Riley, James and Julia returned home to East Texas. They settled in Nacogdoches and began their family.
James later surrendered to the call to preach and was ordained in 1969. Over the years, he pastored several congregations, including Goyen's Hill Baptist Church, Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Herman Baptist Church, Lone Pine Baptist Church, and Union Cross Baptist Church. Alongside his ministry, he also worked full-time at NIBCO in Nacogdoches, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and friendly nature.
Brother James truly had a shepherd's heart. He faithfully visited the sick at home, in hospitals, and in nursing homes, always offering prayer and comfort. He officiated at many weddings and funerals, cherishing the privilege of serving families through every season of life. The people he pastored were not just members of his churches; they became lifelong friends, and many of those friendships extended through generations.
At home, James was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather. His chicken and dumplings were famous among family and friends, and he loved sharing stories, laughter, and time with his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren whenever he could. He loved to travel to Branson with family and friends.
James will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, a faithful servant of God, and a devoted family man whose quiet strength and love left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Julia Nell Johnson; his daughters, Julia Kathleen Sevehla and husband Malcolm and Jacqueline Suzanne Cooper and husband Randall; his grandchildren, Sarah Ashley Svehla-Melancon and husband, John, Rachael Brooke Dilks and husband, Lloyd, and Caleb Austin Svehla; his siblings, Roy Johnson and wife Lucretia, Darlene Marshall and husband Noel, and Beamon Johnson and wife, Evonne, and sisters-in-law Barbara Looney, Linda Sparks, and Pat Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Doyle Johnson and Agnes Isabelle (Davis) Johnson; grandparents, Sam and Lizzie (Turner) Sparks; his brothers, Charles Johnson and Royce Johnson; and sister Becky Savell and Earnest Savell; sister-in-law, Joyce Box and husband, L.E. Box; and brothers-in-law, Lindwell Looney and James Sparks.
Funeral services will be held in Nacogdoches at Calvary Baptist Church on Friday, November 14, 2025 with Bro. Jerry Wilson and Bro. Paul Sevar officiating. Visitation will be at 10:00am and the funeral at 11:00am with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Nacogdoches Treatment Center
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