James Weldon Johnson-Gittens

On June 25, 2009 James Weldon Johnson, Sr. departed this life and went on to glory to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born on September 26, 1920 in The Republic of Panama to the late Fitzallen and Edith Johnson. Always the hard worker, James made a valiant effort to provide for his immediate family, extended family, special adopted daughters whom he called and treated as his own as well as several neighborhood children who needed assistance. James worked as a Launch Operator on the Panama Canal where he retired after over 30 years of dedicated service. A self-taught tailor, furniture upholsterer and radio/television repairman, James took on odd-jobs and sewed for others in an effort to meet the needs of his family. He originally came to the United States in 1975 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. James was a true “jack of all trades”. Despite being retired, he went to Apex Technical School in New York to become a master welder to financially assist in bringing his children to America. His intention was to ensure his children, grandchildren and future generations would have an opportunity for a better life. Affectionately known to his friends as “Johnny”, James was a loving, family oriented, Good Samaritan with a generous heart. He always went above and beyond to ensure everyone was happy and content. James was an excellent provider who lived for his children. He was the portrait of a real man who touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. Most importantly, in his later life, James accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He was preceded in death by his sister Winifred Clark, brother Winston Johnson, infant daughter Patricia Johnson, two sons Roy Johnson and Roberto Johnson and two grandsons Eduardo Ward and Sean Jemmott. Left to cherish his memory are his AMOR Judith Johnson of Portsmouth, VA; four sons - James Johnson, Jr. (Anays) of San Antonio, TX; Siebert Ward (Patricia) of Suffolk, VA; Harold Ward of Portsmouth, VA and Dantes Johnson of Atlanta, GA; eight daughters - Josephine Jemmott of San Antonio, TX; Jean Ashby of Chesapeake, VA; Joan Clark of Portsmouth, VA; Rosa Jackson (Lincoln) of Portsmouth, VA; Patricia Robinson (Dwight) of Portsmouth, VA; Melva Johnson of Portsmouth, VA; Dana Harris (Rogelio, Sr.) of Portsmouth, VA; Fulvia Mercedes de la Ossa (Raul) and Marcela Johnson both of The Republic of Panama; one sister Caroline Anita James of the Republic of Panama; a devoted nephew Newton Buchner (Mattie) of Brooklyn, NY; forty-four grandchildren; sixty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a loving host of adopted daughters, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was loved dearly by his family and will be greatly missed. His legacy will surely live on with those who cherish his memory. Vivir, sentir y morir! Descanse en paz!

James Weldon Johnson-Gittens

September 26, 1920 - June 25, 2009