757.628.1000

James Edward Johnson, Jr.


Sunrise: July 10, 1927

Sunset: September 8, 2022

Deacon James Johnson, Jr was born on July 10, 1927 in Camden County, North Carolina to James Sr and Minnie Johnson.  He graduated valedictorian of his class from Currituck County Training High School in 1945 and married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life Deaconess Dollie Johnson on August 30, 1947. Eventually they settled in the Tidewater area and together raised three children in Portsmouth.

For many years Dad worked two and three jobs allowing Mom to be a stay-at-home mom.  He worked as a mail carrier for the U S Postal Service and as a baseball referee for Norfolk County Parks & Recreation before landing at Naval Air Reworks Facility as a Production Control Dispatcher. Mom eventually started her career and they worked together for many years at Naval Air Reworks until retirement.  Dad was the last surviving charter member of Chartway Federal Credit Union.  He joined New Mount Vernon in 1960 where he served faithfully as chairman of the Deacons Board, member of the Senior Choir and Male Chorus. For many years he served as the church treasurer and coach of the NMV Men’s Basketball Team. He had a profound love of gospel music and worked hard to bring many successful concerts to the church, including local talents and recording artist like Luther Barnes, Harmonizing Four, Peerless Four, Mighty Pearly Gates and Hurdle Brothers. That love lead him to manage God’s Own, a local gospel group which included James III and his son-in-law Michael (deceased).  He was also one of the featured singers.

He was predeceased by his wife of 74 years, his parents, sisters, one granddaughter and one great grandson. Left to cherish fond memories are his children, Carolyn Dowtin, Chesapeake, La Barbara Robinson and James III; both of Portsmouth, nine grand- children, 23great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren; one son-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins an “adopted daughter Joyce Smith,” and many friends.

Viewing Friday, September 23, 2022 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 5605 Portsmouth Boulevard Portsmouth, VA 23701 Service Saturday, September 24, 2022 12 Noon New Mt. Vernon Baptist Church 3555 Victory Blvd. Portsmouth, VA 23701 Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320

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Condolences(8)

  1. reply
    Teresa says

    I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. I pray that God will grant you and your family strength to get through this difficult time. My most sincere condolences.
    Teresa

  2. reply
    Rev Joyce Mackey-Foster says

    Praying for the family of Deacon James Johnson

  3. reply
    Alice Hyman Bazemore says

    My deepest condolences to the family of Deacon James Johnson. May God comfort and strengthen you during your time of loss.

  4. reply
    Ethel Loretta Miller says

    One thing I ask of the Lord,this only do I seek that I may dwell in the house of the lord all the days of my life,to gaze on the Beauty of the lord and to seek Him in His Temple. PSALM 27:4..My Sincere Condolences to the Family of Deacon James E.Johnson.🕊🕊🕊

  5. reply
    Sebrena R Daughtry says

    My condolences to the entire Johnson family & New Mt Vernon Baptist Church at this bittersweet time. I didn’t know Mr. Johnson personally but I’ve heard so much about him. From my daughter Mrs. Donekqua Johnson and his grandson & my son – in – law Mr. Jarell Johnson that I felt like I knew him. I’m sure he will b truly missed by all of u. But just know he’s up there in heaven with his loving wife and Jesus arms saying oh what a time. R. I. H. Mr. James E. Johnson. Praying that God will comfort ur hearts at this. Difficult time. Just know better days are coming soon.🙏🙏😞😢🙌

  6. reply
    Dwight O. Steele, Sr. says

    Grace & Peace be unto the Johnson Family. We’re grateful the wonderful life Deacon Johnson lived and the great witness he leaves behind. Always remember, ‘earth has no sorrow…that heaven cannot heal. May God continue to keep you in HIS care is my prayer.
    Yours In Christ,
    Pastor & Mrs. Dwight O. Steele, Sr.
    Roanoke, Virginia

  7. reply
    Dorothy L. McDuffie says

    Sending love, sympathy and prayers to Carolyn, my classmate and frined from 3rd grade, and to LaBarbara and the Johnson/Cross family. May your heart and your faith stay fixed upon Him as you go through this difficulty, and be assured that He is holding your hand and will not let you go. Dorothy

  8. reply
    Charles J Johnson says

    I am just receiving this news. I am so sorry I wasn’t there to offer my condolences to Carolyn, La Barbara and James. Mr. Johnson was certainly a great neighbor and friend to my family and was there in our time of grievance with the passing of my brother Willie and both of my parents. I am so sorry. My Sisters Minerva and Judy also sends there condolences. Sending Love and prayers to the family.

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