James B. Johnson

James Bennett Johnson was born to the late Pattie Harris and Nelson Johnson in Hollister, North Carolina on November 14, 1938. He was the fifth child of nine children. From an early age, James was an extraordinary and dedicated worker. He modeled the phrase “Make lemonade out of lemons”. Even with a third grade education, he succeeded in creating a life well lived. James shared two sons (Julius and Jeffrey) and a bonus daughter, Veronica from a previous marriage before he married the love of his life, Claudette Marie Johnson on September 10,1977 and from this union he gained two more bonus children (Kevin and Benita). James was also instrumental in the rearing of his granddaughter, Lekita. From working for a family after leaving home as a youth to working tirelessly at various construction companies, he ensured that his family had all of the necessities and most of the desired things also. He reminisced often about the time spent working at Craney Island. He sold food such as sandwiches, chips, sodas and his wife would help by preparing and baking sweet potato jacks. Coworkers affectionately called him “Speedy” or “J.J.” and his humor always brought smiles and laughter to those that shared his space. He got a kick out of cracking jokes and watching westerns was his favorite past time. No matter how many times he’d watch the same episodes. He looked forward to family vacations and spending time with his gran and great-grandchildren. James meant so much to his family and although he was a manly man, he didn’t shy away from domestic duties either. He would often come home from work only to work in his garden, wash a load of clothes and sometimes cook a meal. His best dishes were turkey wings, pig ears, feet and tails, but above all-everyone that knew him knows how great his North Carolina style BBQ was and looked forward to it at every gathering! For nearly seven years, James was the caregiver to his late sister, Evelyn Puckett, his nephew Donnell Puckett and other special needs individuals. Upon his sister’s death, he continued to provide assistance to those remaining until he was no longer capable. James was predeceased by his parents Pattie Harris and Nelson Johnson, son, Kevin Wright, three sisters-Jean Young, Thelma Lackey, Evelyn Puckett, three brothers-Hinton, Willis, Eddie Johnson, and grandson Adrian Johnson. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Claudette Johnson, sons, Julius Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson (Marlo), Benita Newby (Glenn), Veronica Johnson and special granddaughter, Lekita Sykes (Christopher Sr.), five grandchildren, two sisters Sarah Walker and Katie Simon, a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends and a very special friend, William “Pete” Moss.

James B. Johnson

November 14, 1938 - July 10, 2024