James Edward Johnson, Sr.

James E. (Big Jim) Johnson, Sr., was born November 6, 1946 in Vaden, Arkansas, to the parents of the late Edward and Annie Johnson, Sr. He departed this life on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

James accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age.  He joined The Church of the Living God Pillar of Ground and Truth, in Vaden, Arkansas.

In January of 1966, he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was hired at General Electric Company and met and married Louise Green and had three children.

In 1968, James joined Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Dr. Samuel Walker, where he served on the Deacon Board, Usher Board, and was a choir member.

In 1997, James retired from General Electric Company where he worked for 30 years.

James loved bowling, he would travel to many states to participate in bowling tournaments. He loved to play basketball, men’s soft ball, fishing, hunting, and beating his wife and son in the card game Canasta.

In 2015, James joined Divine Providence Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Michael A. Griffin, where he served faithfully on the Deacon Board, and church Bursar.

In 2023, James was voted as “Man of the Year” for Divine Providence Baptist Church.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Louise of 56 years, two sons; Russell (Kimberly) Johnson of Auburn, Indiana, and James (Rosetta) Johnson, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and one daughter; La Tisha K. (Chris) Hatch of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Fifteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one brother; Edward Johnson, Jr. of Sparkman, Arkansas, one sister; Bobby Jean Cole of Queens, New York, and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Annie Johnson, Sr., six brothers; Ozzie, Lawrence, Billy Wayne, Holman, Lee, and L.H. Johnson, one sister; Betty Matlock, and one grandson; Xavier Johnson.

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