Elder James Johnson, Jr.

The life of a dedicated, loving human being with a warm, gentle spirit, and kind heart came to close on September 22, 2021, when Elder James Johnson, Jr. succumbed to life’s end at his residence of Metter, GA. He was born on June 14, 1941, in Bulloch County to the union to the late Mr. James Johnson, Sr. and Mrs. Della Mae Hodges Johnson. He was the fourth of seven children: Dorothy, Rozella (deceased), Walter (deceased), Lorita (deceased), Katherine, and Lewis.

He was educated in the Bulloch County schools until the fourth grade. At an early age, he made the decision to withdraw and help his father on the farm. Later in life, Elder Johnson attended night school two nights a week and earned his GED. He was self-employed in the lawn service. He had a fondness of John Deere tractors and lawn mowers, his garden, and his chickens. Most importantly, he was “Enjoying Jesus”!

Elder James Johnson, Jr. married Rose Scott on December 15, 1962. This union was blessed with four children; Pamela, Terron, Jan, and James Johnson, III who preceded him in death at birth.

He joined Mt. Pisgah P.B. Church at a young age. Elder Johnson started his Christian journey as an usher and later became an ordained deacon. He understood the hand of God was truly upon his life. Elder Johnson accepted the call to proclaim the Word of God. On July 12, 1975, he was licensed to preach the Gospel; and was later ordained as an Elder on January 30, 1977, in the Primitive Baptist denomination.

Elder Johnson served in various leadership capacities in the New Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Association and the Georgia State Primitive Baptist Association. Elder James Johnson, Jr. first pastorate began at 1st St. John P.B. Church in Thunderbolt, GA. He served as Pastor at St. Paul P.B. Church in Bartow, GA on two different occasions and Cypress Grove P.B. Church in Wrightsville, GA. He also served as interim pastor at New Bethaven in Collins, GA and Bethel P.B. Church in Statesboro, GA on several occasions. He served the longest as Pastor at Mt. Pisgah P.B. Church in Metter, GA for 24 years. In the New Mt. Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church, Elder James Johnson, Jr. served as the Moderator and later to become Moderator Emeritus. 

Elder James Johnson, Jr. did not confine his leadership and gifts to the Primitive Baptist Church Association but had truly been a servant of the people for many years. He served on the Candler County Minister’s Alliance as chaplain of the Candler County Hospital. He also held weekly church services at Azalea Nursing Home (formally known as Metter Nursing Home) and Pleasant View Nursing Home. He was called by many in Candler County as the “Community Pastor”.

 This man of God will be greatly missed by his family, church, and community. Elder James Johnson, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 58 years, Mother Rose S. Johnson; 3 daughters, Pam (Walter) Smith and Terrell Johnson, both of Metter, GA , and Jan (Perry) Fann of Twin City, GA; 3 siblings; Dorothy Heath, Katherine (Roscoe) Brown, and Lewis (Gloria) Johnson; 4 brothers-in-law; Ernest, Jessie, Alfred, and Wardell; 2 sisters-in-law, Anna and Katie Mae; 8 grandchildren, Justin, Kayla, CJ, Trey, Jasmine, LaTonya, Destinee, and Peedy; 2 great-grandchildren; and a countless host of brothers and sisters in Christ, God-children, nephews, nieces, cousins, family, and friends.

The Staff of Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to support and serve the Johnson family with Dignity, Respect and Integrity.

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