Jim Dodson Johnson

Biography: Jim Dodson Johnson of Little Rock, 89, died Saturday, November 30, 2024. An accomplished artist, musician and athlete, Jim was born in Hot Springs and was predeceased by his parents, Varine and Dodson Johnson and his daughter, Dayna Johnson.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Harkey Johnson; a daughter Denise Greenway (Bryan) of Tennessee; two sons; Philip H. Johnson (Amy) of Anthem, Arizona, Alexander W. Johnson (Mayra) of Meudon, France; six grandchildren; Olivia Adcock, Mary Scarlett LaBerge, Bryan Greenway, Samantha Johnson, Nicholas Ito Johnson and Walker Ito Johnson; two great grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Cherry Harkey Light of Little Rock and Cherry's children, Louis W. Light (Maricel) and their daughter Allison.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jim was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa(ODK) honorary and Sigma Nu fraternity. In 2003 he was named a distinguished graduate of Fulbright College.
Jim's first job after graduating from the University of Arkansas was with Hallmark Cards in Kansas City where he was one of eight on the initial design team to create the company's first collection of humorous cards.
In 1961, he co-founded the Cranford Johnson (now CJRW) advertising agency with his good friend, the late Wayne Cranford. Together they elevated Arkansas advertising to a national level, winning numerous awards.
As creative director, Jim often used humor to help create brands. In 1994 he was honored by the Arkansas Advertising Federation for career contributions and service and was elected to the Southwest
Advertising Hall of Fame in 2015.
"Arkansas is a Natural," "My Heart is in Public Schools-so Are My Kids," "Trio's," "Tabriz" and the "Save Old Main" campaign at the University of Arkansas are just a few of his many creations. Throughout his life he generously donated countless hours and works to numerous charities and nonprofits.
After retirement in 2003, he became a prolific painter, working in acrylics and pastels, as well as his extremely popular caricatures and cartoons. His work is displayed in many public and private collections, and his extraordinary sense of humor was displayed in all aspects of both his professional and personal life
Jim's passion for music began at age 15 when his father bought him a guitar at a Hot Springs pawn shop. For many years he played guitar with several bands including the popular Little Rock rock group "The Rockets" He also enjoyed "jamming" sessions with friends at "the Outback."
For many years, Jim reveled in good conversation with the Wednesday morning coffee klatch at Boulevard Bread Company.
As an adventure runner, Jim was the co-founder of the Marquis de Sade Running Club. He ran the Pikes Peak Marathon 10 times, crossed the Grand Canyon North to South Rim four times, and completed numerous marathons and triathlons, including New York and Dallas. An occasional mountain climber himself, Jim brought his guitar and joined others at the base camp to support Arkansans who climbed Mount Everest in 1987.
He was a long-time member of Little Rock's Second Presbyterian Church, where he twice served on the Board of Deacons. He also was a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Friday, December 6 at 1:00 pm at Second Presbyterian Church. (Live-streaming at www.secondpreslr.org) Burial will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, 600 or to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts,
.