JAMES EARL JOHNSON

SUNRISE MAY 06, 1936  –  SUNSET MAY 04, 2025

James Earl Johnson was born in Waldo, Arkansas on May 6, 1936 to Lige Johnson, Jr. and Dura Mae Hicks. He bravely faced a long term illness before his passing. James began his education journey at Waldo Public Schools in 1942 in a humble four room building. In ninth grade he found joy in playing basketball. He graduated in 1955 with a close knit class of 15 students, 14 boys and 1 girl.

In 1958 James served his country by joining the United States Army where he remained until his discharge on December 31, 1964. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Donna Oliphant whom he married on February 25, 1965. Their family grew with the arrival of twin girls, Regina Michelle and Sonya Kaye. Tragically three days later they lost Sonya on December 14, 1967.

James dedicated many years of his life employed with Conn Selmer of Elkhart and after retirement he continued keeping busy by working part time cleaning office buildings, He had a deep passion for fishing, traveling, and spending quality time with family. Cooking brought him joy, particularly making his favorite pecan pie which he took pride in creating himself.

As the rock of his family, James was a source of laughter and support ensuring that his loved ones were always cared for. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife Donna Oliphant Johnson of Elkhart, IN, daughter Regina (Maurice) Johnson, two granddaughters Alarice (Duane) Johnson and Tre Nicole Brownlee of Elkhart, IN also four great-grandchildren; Ahri Yah Brownlee, Jaylen Johnson, Janaih Williams, and Rory Brownlee all of Elkhart, IN. Other survivors are his brother Donnie (Janice) Johnson of South Bend, IN, sisters Yolanda K. Ivory of Hursts, TX, and Rose Marie Fayne of Elkhart, IN, along with a loving network of nieces, nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his mother Dura Mae Hicks of Cleveland, OH; father Lige Johnson, Jr. of Elkhart, IN, step-mother Anna Johnson of Elkhart, IN, sisters Carlene McCoy, Linda Stewart, Lois McCoy, Bonnie, Pamela, and Ruby McCoy of Cleveland, OH, Mary Carraby of Compton, CA, Winona Johnson of Elkhart, IN, and Eloise Johnson of Dayton, OH along with two brothers Timothy and Tyrone McCoy of Cleveland, OH.

As we celebrate the remarkable life of James we find comfort in the words of Revelations 21:4; "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain, for the former things have passed away." He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

Prophet George Bostic Jr. Ministries. "IT IS SO"