James Henry Johnson M.D. Jr.

1944 - 2025

James Henry Johnson, Jr., MD

May 12, 1944 - November 8, 2025

Columbia, South Carolina - James Henry "Jim" Johnson, Jr., MD, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Born in Sylacauga, Alabama, on May 12, 1944, and raised in Georgiana, Alabama, Jim was a proud Southerner whose life reflected leadership, service, and compassion. A natural leader even in his youth, he served as president of the student council at Georgiana High School.

Jim attended Presbyterian College on a full football scholarship (1963–1967), where he excelled both on and off the field. He served as president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, co-captain of the football team, chairman of the Honor Council, and was named the college's Most Outstanding Senior Student.

He went on to attend medical school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned his medical degree before completing his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina (1972–1975).

A proud veteran, Jim served eight years in the United States Army Reserve, including two years of active duty as a Major at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia.

Dr. Johnson began his medical practice in Conway, South Carolina, before making Columbia his home. For more than 45 years, he cared for women and families at Baptist Hospital, where he also served as Chairman of the OB-GYN Department. Over the course of his career, he delivered approximately 5,000 babies-each one a testament to his dedication, gentle spirit, and unwavering commitment to his patients.

Known for his bright smile and cheerful nature, Jim was affectionately nicknamed "Smiley." He was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecock fan-despite attending UAB, a school with, as he liked to joke, "a much better football team." His optimism, humor, and joy for life were infectious and endeared him to everyone who knew him.

Jim was deeply devoted to his family and faith. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Rose Ann Johnson; his son, Jay Johnson (Robin) and his daughter, Julie Hudson (John). . He cherished his grandchildren- Emma and Keegan Johnson and Jack and Henry Hudson-who brought him endless joy. He adored his great-grandchildren-Ali, Klaire, and Sully O'Brien. He is also survived by his three sisters, Judy Davis, Beth Perl, and Kittye Perry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mable and Henry Johnson, and his brother, Billy Johnson.

The service celebrating Jim's life will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Saturday, November 15th, at 2:00 p.m., with the family receiving guests in Thompson Hall following. A private inurnment will be held prior to the service.

Jim will be remembered for his steadfast devotion to his family, his patients, and his calling as a physician who viewed medicine as a ministry. His life was marked by quiet strength, enduring faith, and deep kindness-and always, by his smile.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204 or to Will for Hope, 3631 Devereaux Road, Columbia, SC 29205, a foundation dedicated to destigmatizing mental illness.