James H. Johnson, fondly known as “Papa Jimmy”, was born January 10, 1944, in Moultrie, Georgia, to the late Edgar Johnson & Dorothy Fowler Weldon. He passed peacefully November 19, 2022, at Tift Regional Medical Center surrounded by his beloved family.
Funeral services will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Christian Fellowship in Ben Hill County, with the Rev. Rex Johnson and the Rev. Kenny Croft officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, Fitzgerald. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services in the sanctuary on Tuesday.
Papa Jimmy had a passion for cooking. He will be remembered by many in South Georgia for his steaks, bar-be-que, Brunswick stew, seafood, and fried turkeys. He managed several restaurants as well as owning/operating a couple of his own. Papa Jimmy was also an avid fan of the Fitzgerald Purple Hurricane Football program. He spent many of his Fridays preparing meals for the team and staff on game days. He attended most all games as well for many years until his health no longer permitted.
Papa Jimmy was blessed with a large and loving family. He loved traditional family gatherings, especially for holiday occasions. He had many loving brothers, sisters, and children in Christ at his beloved church, Christian Fellowship, Inc. He also shared his love for cooking by preparing Wednesday night suppers at church for several years as well as cooking for special functions at church. Papa Jimmy loved the Lord and stood steadfast in his faith. He would always remind others to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. He will be missed by all his family and friends who know he is with the Lord now and pain free.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Johnson of Irwin County; sons: Rusty Johnson & Michelle Thompson of Moore, Idaho, Rex & Pam Johnson of Irwin County, Shane & Kristy Johnson of Irwin County, and Angel Rivera of Fitzgerald; daughters: Dana King of Dublin, Alli Adams of Fitzgerald, and Kristin Stone of Nashville; grandchildren: Cody Johnson, Katy & Dillon Bailey, Chet & Sara Johnson, Eli Johnson, Gunnar Johnson, Grayson Johnson, Tate King, Callie & Henry Higgs, Reed King, and Lizzie Freeman; great-grandchildren: Finley Johnson, Everly Johnson, Ella Jane Bailey, Stetson Higgs, and Blakely Johnson; and a brother, Bud & Shirley Johnson of Irwinville.