James David Johnson

James David Johnson, 95, completed his earthly work for the Lord on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at home surrounded by family. Born in Johnston County on December 26, 1927, he was the son of Richard Lewis Johnson and wife, Maggie Johnson.

He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Mack; sons, Van Johnson and wife, Shelly and Danny Johnson and wife, Michelle; daughter-in-law, Janet Johnson; grandchildren, Kristopher Johnson, Nichole Johnson, Evan Johnson and wife, Stephanie, Kaelin Johnson and wife, Jade and Addison Johnson and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Grace Pauline Johnson; son, Dwain Johnson and a stillborn son; siblings, Earl Johnson, Sam Johnson, Thurman Johnson, Cleo Jones, Magdalene Adams, Lillian Seawell and son in law, Fred Mack.

Being saved at age 10, he spent eighty five years building his life around serving God and the call He had. He was dedicated to his wife and family and raised them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. He worked at Auto Equip Co. of Rocky Mount for almost 50 years where he served as purchase manager and part owner.

His calling was to sing and share Jesus wherever doors would open. He was an anointed singer and song writer. He, along with his wife Grace, served a number of churches including South Rocky Mount Church of God (Ridgecrest Worship Center), West Mount Church of God & Clingman St. Church of God (Goldsboro Worship Center) as the Ministers of Music. He evangelized the gospel in song with the “The Master’s Trio”, “Eastern-Aires”, and a group he organized in 1978 called “The Sounds of Praise” where he traveled for a number of years across the state and beyond. He along with his wife, brother and nephew started a Christian Cowboy group called “The Riders of the Carolina Sage”. He so enjoyed those years traveling, encouraging and sharing Jesus to the many doors that were opened including the Women’s Correction Facility in both Raleigh and Rocky Mount where he came to lead over 2,000 women to know and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

In December 2015 shortly after his bride of 64 years passed, he had a massive stroke which led him to move to Goldsboro, NC where he became an avid part of his families lives. He enjoyed going to his grandsons ballgames, traveling, church outings and events, eating honey buns, drinking Dr. Pepper and becoming a part of the Goldsboro Worship Center family where he was a part of “The Classics”, Sr Adult & Men’s ministry. He quickly developed the nickname “King James” in addition to “Papa J” where he was then forever known as. He loved the people there and the people loved him also! He was known for his wit, jokes and short long stories that he so enjoyed sharing with anyone he came in contact with. Most importantly, he wanted to make sure they knew Jesus and if they didn’t, they did before they left his conversation.

He was faithful in everything he did and God was faithful to Him. He was truly a dependable man. A bridge builder. The mantra he lived by was…..

“The greatest ability one would have… is dependability” – James Johnson

The family extends special thanks, love and appreciation to his special friends and caretakers, Sue Wade, Trina Artis-Anderson, Tiffany Farmer, Justin Lee, 3-HC and many others.

A service to honor God and celebrate James’ life will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 6:30pm at Goldsboro Worship Center, 900 W New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:00 – 6:15pm. Interment will take place Friday, August 25, 2023 at 10:00am at Rocky Mount Memorial Park, 4544 Dortches Boulevard, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider memorial donations to Goldsboro Worship Center Missions Fund, 900 W New Hope Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534.