James Cleven Johnson

James Cleven Johnson, was born on May 6, 1936 in Enfield, North Carolina, to the late Ernest and Pearlie Johnson. He was the 7th of eight children. He graduated from Eastman High School in Enfield. The family survivors are: his wife, Emma (Peggy) L. Johnson; one son, James Cornell Johnson his wife, Sharon of Virginia Beach,VA; one granddaughter, Chanel A. Crump of Suwanee, GA.; three sisters, Mozell Perry and Helen Perry of Enfield, NC; and Bertha Price of Hampton, VA; one sister-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and a host of relatives, friends, and former co-workers.

Early Life

James’ early life was that of a proud sharecropper and farmer’s son. The family, by necessity had to be extremely resourceful to survive the rural life of farming. He drove Eastman High school bus to earn money for the family and himself. He loved to tell the story about him driving his bus school around another farmer that was intentionally blocking the farm road. He drove into the farmer’ s cornfield and around the farmer to continue his school bus route. Both the county and the school board agreed that James’ actions were correct. The family raised corn, tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and many vegetables crops. Just itching to leave the farming life behind and earn more money, James joined the Navy along with other local boys.

Navy Life

James served 30 years in the Navy, reaching the rank of Chief Boatswain Mate, before his retirement. James had many adventures on the oceans around the world and loved to tell tales of those adventures. Most of his stories dealt with the dangers on the oceans and how his training and thinking quick on his feet saved many lives. His basic training was at RTC Great Lakes, Illinois, June 1955. He served aboard the USS Thor (ARC-4), stationed in California from January 1956-June 1959; USS Chilton (APA-38) in Norfolk from August 1959-October 1965; NAVSTA, in Norfolk from December 1965-January 1968; USS O’Hare (DD-889)in Norfolk from January 1968-July 1971; AMSU NAB Little Creek, Virginia Beach from August 1971-November 1974.

ODU Life

James, the sailor man, feeling restless in his retirement from the navy, joined his navy buddies in steering Old Dominion University into safe harbors. Using his naval management skills, he became a Director of Housekeeping Physical Plant Director. He was responsible for over 100 workers. He was proud to receive a state issued yearly bonus for outstanding performance. He retired from ODU after 28 years of service. The university honored him with three retirement parties, plaques, an expensive engraved rocking chair, and an offer to be a consultant, which he turned down. During one party, the ladies prepared some of dad’s southern cuisine favorites just for him. Dad told us many stories about his work at ODU, just like his colorful navy stories. He was also invited back to attend many ODU functions, which he seldom refused.

Visiting Relatives

James, was noted for visiting his and, his wife Peggy’s relatives in Enfield, Rocky Mount, Bethel, Oak City, Como, Richmond, Baltimore, and New York, almost every other weekend, on countless trips. He loved being on the go. He was the king of the open road to visit relatives, meetings, parades, county fairs, circuses, fireworks, and fishing. He also loved going to church, so he became a member of First Baptist Church of Lambert’s Point and joined their choir.

Lambert’s Point Civic League

James was an active member of the Lambert’s Civic League, and helped to steer the Lambert’s Civic community as ODU expanded and he also helped to solve many community issues. James was like Mrs Harvey, former head of the civic league’s personal chauffeur for community and city events because she couldn’t drive. He received many plaques and achievement awards. He served the civic league for 18 years.

Peggy & James Tulip Garden

They loved to work in the garden; well James loved to go for garden supplies and pick up dinner of mash potatoes with gravy, and chicken from Bojangles. They have been carrying for their garden for over forty years. They spent approximately $500 each year on tulips and other supplies. Tulips cost about $1.00 per bulb, bloom or only two weeks, labor intensive, and must be planted each year. That a combination that required the skills gain by James and Peggy since leaving North Carolina. People still stop by to view the tulips and other flowers during the springtime blooming. They watch the flowers like people viewing Christmas lights. I once asked mom, why the effort for such short blooming flowers, and she said that with such intense beauty, two weeks is way more than enough. It’s all been a labor of love? ?