Jimmy Johnson

Brother Jimmy Johnson was the fifth of eight children born to the late Willie Johnson and Charlene Cooper-Johnson on February 4, 1959. He peacefully departed this life on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Magnolia Regional Medical Center in Magnolia, Arkansas.
Jimmy accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Magnolia, where he remained a faithful and devoted member until his transition. He served diligently as Director of the Male Chorus-roles he cherished deeply.
Jimmy graduated from McNeil High School in 1977. After graduation, he worked at Pittman Nursery and Alumax before pursuing his true passion-truck driving. In 1980, he enrolled in Truck Driving School at Texarkana College in Texarkana, Arkansas. There, he began a journey that would define much of his life, earning the CB handle "Dr. J." Over the course of his 43-year trucking career, Jimmy drove for Ted Monroe Trucking Company and Roger Wilson Trucking Company. His love for the open road and dedication to his craft led him to entrepreneurship. He became the proud Owner and Operator of Standby Trucking, Inc., and later founded Southern Arkansas Carriers. His legacy in the trucking industry is marked by hard work, perseverance, and excellence. Jimmy retired on June 1, 2024, leaving behind a lasting impact on all who knew and loved him.
On November 17, 2001, Jimmy married his soulmate and the love of his life, Lesa Nute-Johnson. Through this union, he whole-heartedly and lovingly embraced three children-Shatoria, Jamal, and Jazmine-as his own. Jimmy opened both his home and his heart to them, and in return, they embraced him with love, respect, appreciation, and admiration. As a devoted husband, he was equally a nurturing and supportive father figure, cherishing every moment spent with his children and taking immense pride in watching them flourish. The bond they shared was one of mutual love and a genuine, unbreakable bond.
Jimmy's other great passion was singing. His musical journey began with the gospel group, Lights of Faith. By God's grace and favor, Jimmy was blessed with opportunities to share the stage as an opening act for some of the most legendary gospel quartet groups in the nation-including The Canton Spirituals, Lee Williams, and George Dean & The Gospel Four. His voice touched many hearts and his spirit lifted countless souls through song.
Jimmy was a man who never met a stranger. Once he started talking, you knew to settle in-because you were in for a good, long conversation. He had a pure heart of gold and treated everyone he met with warmth, kindness, and genuine care.
One of his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren-Josiah, Ja'Miah, and Kaylie. These three were the very heartbeats of his life. Wherever you saw Jimmy and his beloved wife, Lesa, you could be sure their grandchildren were not far behind. His loving presence, laughter, and stories will be deeply missed by them and by all who were blessed to know him.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his father: Willie Johnson; mother: Charlene Johnson; brothers: Willie Johnson Jr. and Charles Johnson; and daughters: Jennifer Johnson and Baby Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 23 years: Lesa Nute-Johnson of McNeil, AR; one son: Jamal(Lakeitha) Heard of McNeil, AR; two daughters: Shatoria Nute of Bernice, LA and Jazmine Heard of McNeil, AR; three brothers: Oree (Helen) Manley of Camden, AR, Larry Johnson and Edward Johnson of McNeil, AR; two sisters: Gloria (Billy) Steward of McNeil, AR and Cassandra (Royce) Poole of Magnolia, AR; seven grandchildren; Kason, Josiah, Ja'Miah, Lakynn, Kaylie, Lakari, and Kaleb; his mother in law: Pearl Nute of El dorado, AR; a special nephew & drummer: Ryan Griffin; host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him immensely
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