Johnnie J. "Rabbit" File Sr.

Celebrating the Life of Johnnie J. File Sr. "Rabbit"
1. The Man
Johnnie J. File, Sr., affectionately known as "Rabbit," entered eternal rest peacefully on May 1, 2025, at the age of 79. Born on November 24, 1945, in Waynesboro, Georgia, he was the beloved son of the late Lola Fleming and John Robert File. Johnnie received his early education through the Georgia school system.
It was in Georgia where he met the love of his life, the late Hattie B. (Jones) File. In 1960, the couple moved to Cedarville, New Jersey, in search of a better life for themselves and their growing family. They were united in holy matrimony on May 11, 1974, and shared a devoted union until Hattie's passing in 2003. Their love was a true testament to the vows "in sickness and in health, until death do us part." On May 1, 2025, they were reunited once again.
2. The Myth
Johnnie was a hard-working man with deep roots in the land. He was employed by Maple Run Farms, which later became Tuckahoe Nursery, and remained a dedicated worker until his retirement. Even after retiring, you could still find him out in the fields on a tractor - a symbol of his unyielding spirit.
Despite surviving two cancer diagnoses, Johnnie continued to live life to the fullest. He loved to travel, spend time with family - especially his grandchildren - and enjoy simple pleasures like watching old Westerns, the evening news, and Wheel of Fortune.
He was known for his signature sayings like "Put ya foots here" and "Ya bald-headed beast." If he asked or called you one of those names, consider yourself special. In his later years, he often said, "I'm on borrowed time," and "I've got more days behind me than ahead of me," always with a touch of reflection and faith. While not a churchgoer, Johnnie had a deep spiritual understanding. He often quoted Bible verses and sang his favorite song, "Look at the People" - a song no one else seemed to know, yet it became part of the family soundtrack because he sang it so often. He knew the word of God, for the verse says" Thy word I have hidden in my Heart." Psalm 119:11
3. The Legend
Johnnie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength. He is survived by; his daughter, Carolyn Blakely (Michael) of Charlotte, NC; and four sons, Taheem Rasheed (Denise) of Bridgeton, NJ, Johnny File Jr. (Cheryl) of Moreno Valley, CA, Jerome File (Janet) of Millville, NJ, and Michael File (Billie Joe) of Fairton, NJ. He also leaves behind his "forever daughters"; Hope File, Regina Kerney, Kea Toure, Tammy and Wanda Barner.
He is survived by; his sister, Lacy Anderson of Waynesboro, GA; and two brothers, Rush and Carl Fleming, also of Waynesboro. He will be missed by two uncles, William "Boot" Lovett and John Lovett of Bridgeton, NJ; 34 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. He also leaves behind his beloved partner-in-crime, Dessie Sykes "Ms. Pat," as well as special sons; Paul Gilson, Donald Barnes and Georgy Barnes; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by; his beloved wife, Hattie B. File; four sons, James File, Carl File, Sr., Samuel File, Sr. and Nathan File; four brothers, Isiah Fleming, Mitchell Fleming, Ignatius Fleming, LeRufus Fleming and Randolph Fleming; one grandson, Raquan Kersey; one granddaughter; and the family's cherished godparents, Mamie and Leroy Patterson.
Johnnie, in your 79 years you lived a life full of heart, grit and love. Now it's time to take your rest. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Sorrowfully Submitted, The Family The File Legacy Continues
"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."
Funeral services will be held at John Wesley United Methodist Church, 90 Matthew Brown Way, Bridgeton on Saturday, May 17th at 12 NOON. Friends will be received at the church from 10 AM to 12 NOON prior to the service. Interment will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cedarville following the service. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website www.padgettfuneralhomes.com. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Johnnie J. "Rabbit" File, Sr., please visit our Tree Store.