James Louis Johnson, age 84, known as Preacher, Sign Painter, J.L. & Papa was called home to heaven by His Shepherd on Friday, July 30, 2010, 4:30 A.M. He was surrounded by his loved ones @ home after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
J.L. was born in Seymour, Tn. on August 31, 1925 to James Louis Johnson and Liddie Bright Johnson - 2nd youngest of 8 children. He had 1 brother, Ralph, and 6 sisters - Bonnie, Josie Mae, Pauline, Estelle, Marie & Katherine who are awaiting him in heaven.
He was married to Elsie Drusilla Swafford Johnson on February 6, 1947. They met in church and were side by side for 63 years.
J.L. learned to play the guitar and sang in church thru his childhood. He was on the "Noon DayMerry Go Round" Radio Show in Knoxville, Tn. in 1944 along with Grand Ole Opry Stars Chet Atkins, Grandpa Jones and Flat & Scruggs. He had a hodgepodge of interesting jobs as a singing telegram deliverer for Western Union, a fireman in Oak Ridge, Tn., and worked at the plants in Oak Ridge. He said, "The Lord called me to be a signpainter" and that was his life profession for 46 years. He used this same talent to paint billboards, signs, and tracts to help churches spread God's word. He was a perfectionist and strived for the best. He carried a briefcase around with copies of his work he did to pass out to people for the Lord and do missionary work. He was a humble, loving, devoted husband, father, and papa who was a Christ like example to many. He helped anyone he met who was in need. He was a selfless man who placed no value on the riches of the world.
He had a Gospel Music Radio Show in the 50's & 60's called "Johnson Family Singers". Sharon played the piano, Buddy sang, J.L. play the guitar, harmonica, banjo, mandolin, autoharp, omniharp, piano, organ, & accordion. Many special guests were on his show including John R. Rogers, Jr. who played the drums, Carlos Bunch on mandolin, and many others. He was a naturally gifted and self taught musician who loved gospel, bluegrass, and all old hymns. He played and sang in many churches in East Tn. and on the Cas Walker TV Show in the 1960's. Many will remember him for his music. It was an integral part of his life. He also volunteered and played his music @ prisons, schools, and nursing homes. He used his music to "Glorify God".
He is survived by his wife, Elsie Johnson, daughter, Sharon Patterson, son Boyd, Buddy, Johnson & wife Robin; grandchildren Stacy Ledford, Shila Wright, Shanda Coffey, Shay Lynne Patterson, Dawn Elwartowski, Brian Johnson, Kevin Johnson, & Christian Johnson; great grandchildren Drew, Madie Grace, Emma & Josie Mae Wright, Kambria & Kaden Coffey, Scarlett Ledford, Sebastian Johnson, Zane & Drake Elwartowski, & Isaac Johnson. He loved many special friends, one of whom was Marsie Neal and he loved all of his nurses especially "Algie" Amy Wright.
Funeral services were held @ Evans Mortuary, Sunday August 1, 2010 @ 6 P.M. with Rev. Jimmy Willis officiating. Burial Services followed on Monday August 2, 2010 @ Roane Memorial Gardens with the Grave Dedication Prayer given by Brent Patterson. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the church of your choice. His favorite saying was "To God Be The Glory".~
Guestbook Entries
Papa,
You influenced so many people's lives, including mine. You walked closer to Christ than anyone I have ever known. The way in which you lived your life will be an example to me for the rest of mine. I have so many wonderful childhood memories. I remember spending time in your sign shop sitting at your side. You never once told us to go away and let you work. You let us watch, and taught us life lessons about doing our best and turning the other cheek if someone did not honor their word. I cannot remember a time when I did not see an instrument in your hands. You could play for hours at a time. The beautiful music and gospel songs you played are forever in my heart. I remember being in awe that you could do anything. You were my childhood hero, still are. I love you Papa!
Shila Wright (Chattanooga, TN)
Preacher always had a word of kindness for anyone he met. I am lucky to have known him. I will miss him dearly.
James Watson (Rockwood, TN)
I as so fortunate to have had a dad that prayed for me, dedicated my life to the Lord when I was 6 weeks old, sang with me, taught me "stories of Jesus", and taught me according to "The Good Book". He was a true Christian example to me and everyone who knew him. His music will always ring in my ears and in my heart as well. I will continue to play and sing the hymns that he loved. I miss my dad terribly, but I will see him in the "Sweet Bye & Bye......
Sharon Patterson (Harriman, TN)
I will really miss running into you in Harriman and you telling me about God and how good he was to you and all of us. I also went to church witrh you and your wife and your 2 children. You were really loved by all of my family. I will see you again in heaven because I know you will be there.
with all my synphony to the Johnson family.
Ruth Moore Crabtree (Harriman, TN)
We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Johnson he was such a kind man.
Roane Pulmonary Practice (Harriman, TN)
JL delighted in his love for the LORD all his life and gifted others by openly sharing his devotion and praise to God. I remember him from my early years at Scarbrough Memorial and I look forward to meeting him again in Heaven.
Alice Moore (Powell, TN)
Sorry for your lose our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Randy & Janice Scarbrough (Loudon, TN)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We'll being praying for your family.
Larry & Kathy Peeper (IN)
Papa,
You will be missed so much. You are loved by many. I will always remember your kindness, making a ride when I was a child on the closeline, your sign shop and you doing lettering, your jokes and sense of humor, your musical talents guitar, autoharp, organ, banjo, and how you loved the Carter Family style of playing and gospel music, your faith of the lord you lived it more than anyone I know and I know you are looking down on all of us in heaven. I love you. One of your little bunnies.
Stacy Ledford (Adairsville, GA)
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