James E Johnson's Obituary
James Ellis Johnson was born December 25, 1924 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Gods Christmas gift to parents Ellis and Hazel Johnson. Jimmy, as he’s known to family and friends alike, was an only child with a humorous wit and strong character. James transitioned from this life on April 1, 2020 peacefully at home in his sleep. James’ father Ellis, Mother Hazel, son Jerrell and wife of 50 years Mary Louise Hunt all proceeded him in death.
In 1940 James moved to San Diego and enrolled in San Diego High School with a focus on vocational education. In his spare time while going to school he enjoyed assembling and disassembling automobile motors a past time that would serve him well later in life. James was a good student with a strong determination to do the best at anything he set his heart to do. James joined the United States Army on February 19, 1941 at the age of 17, holding the rank of Private First Class and performed the duties of a Heavy Truck Driver within the 3290th Quartermaster Company in Hawaii, Carolina Islands, Marshall Islands and Okinawa. James drove heavy duty trucks carrying supplies over rough terrain under hazardous conditions. James put his high school spare time activity of assembling and disassembling motors to use in the service of our country. He maintained and made all mechanical repairs on trucks and was able to assemble, disassemble, truck motors in record time. James completed his military service January 23, 1946 receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army and the following decorations and citations defending Americas honor: American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and World War 11 Victory Medal.
After his military career James became a prize fighter back in the day when you earned little pay and a wristwatch for winning your bout. James had a strong work ethic that he passed on to his children. He worked for the Postal Service as a truck driver. He would drive the tractor trailer trucks picking up mail from different post offices in San Ysidro, Chula Vista, National City, and Coronado. For many years he worked for Person Ford Dealership and worked over 20 years as a Sky Cap with Western and Delta Airlines. James use to say how he really loved his job with the airlines because of the opportunities it presented to travel to many cities, and work in places like, San Francisco and Las Vegas. He enjoyed the many celebrities he met and came to call friends one of which was Sammy Davis Jr. James met some of his lifelong friends while working for the airlines.
James had a strong belief in God and was a member of Logan Temple AME Zion Church. He worked in support of the church ministry with his talents, time and resources. James touched the lives of so many with his wise council, humorous wit, his willingness to always help others, and a peace maker among family and friends. He left these traits and more for those who follow in his footsteps. His compassion, his easy manner, his willingness to share himself with others, his easy smile and personality that lite up the room will never be forgotten. James will be remembered as Jimmy by family and friends, Pops by all the kids in the neighborhood, as a caring and loving, husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
James leaves to celebrate his life sons; Wyatt Louis Johnson (Gloria) of Corona, California, Tillman Jerome Cole of Stockton, California. Daughters; Sharon Cross of Streamwood, Illinois, Jewel Cole of San Diego, California, Joetta Cole-Jones of Elgin, Illinois, Luevenia Cobb of Jacksonville, Florida. 14 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
We are at peace because James Ellis Johnson (Jimmy) is at peace.
James Ellis Johnson direct entombment April 15, 2020.
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