James Monroe Johnson

The Legacy of James Monroe Johnson
“JM”

James Monroe Johnson was born on December 6, 1938 in Marion County, Texas. He was the sixth son and ninth of fifteen children (nine sons and six daughters) born to Jesse Johnson and Lucile Johnson- Henry. He attended elementary school at New Zion and graduated from Macedonia High School in Jefferson, Texas.
Being raised in a godly family, James professed faith in Christ at an early age and was baptized after joining New Zion Baptist Church. He was an active worker in the church and increased in the knowledge of the Lord under pastoral leadership.
After High school, JM attended Prairie View A & M College for one year, and then relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where he joined the "Bright Glory Baptist Church, continuing his faithful work of serving the Lord and helping others.

In 1960, JM married the love of his life, Mildred Jefferson. To this union, three daughters were born. They remained happily married, loving couple for 63 years, "until death did them apart".  

While working at General Dynamic, JM developed a tool that saved the company money, time and labor. He was invited to become a supervisor but declined, opting to remain in a lower position. He never aspired to be a focus in the limelight. JM attended Trimble Technical School, and received a certificate in A/C, and electronics, then used his certifications for community service and in his businesses.  His hobby was cooking. He was known for cooking wild and domestic meat and it was a treat to go to his house and eat as he was cooking. James would cut off a piece of meat and allow you to sample it as he proudly looked on as you enjoyed his fine cuisine.  Mama (Lucile) loved to eat his homemade soup.

After retiring from General Motors, JM returned to Jefferson where he rejoined New Zion Missionary Baptist Church and continued his faithful service to the Lord by assisting his pastor and the membership, serving as Chair of Deacons, Sunday school teacher, Leader singer in the choir, and other duties.

JM owned and operated several businesses both in Fort Worth and in Jefferson and always displayed a motto of: "If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain".  He served, giving all he could until the day before his Lord called him from labor to rest.  He departed this life on May 20, 2024

He was preceded in death by both parents and one daughter, Janice, five brothers and three sisters. Those who live to cherish his memories:  Wife, Mildred Johnson; daughters, Patricia (Johnny), Felicia (Dexter); and six grandchildren, (Jimmy (Mary), Verious, Katrina, James, Addilyn, and Colin; along with a host of great grandchildren.

Services for Mr. James Monroe Johnson, 85, of Harleton, Texas, will be held  at 11:00am Saturday, June 1, 2024 at New Zion Baptist Church and burial will follow afterwards at New Zion Cemetery under the direction of Lewis & Walker Funeral Home of Jefferson, Texas. Visitation will be Friday, May 31, 2024 at Lewis & Walker Funeral Home from 5:00pm until 7:00pm. 

Mr. Johnson was born December 6, 1938 and transitioned May 20, 2024 in Marshall, Texas at Christus Good Shepherd.

Mr. Johnson, also known as JM, was 85 years old.

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