James “Jim” Johnson Sr. 95 of Chesapeake, Virginia went home to be with the Lord on July 14, 2023. Jim, last surviving child of 8, was born and raised in Bristol, Tennessee by parents Robert L. and Sudie T. Johnson.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Cora Lee Netherland Johnson and son, James “Jim” Johnson Jr. of Chesapeake. Surviving are his daughter, Linda Mann (Charley) of Little Mountain, SC and Daughter-in-Law, Beth Johnson of Chesapeake (Jim). Also surviving is his companion of many years Kathleen Murphy of Chesapeake. Grandchildren include: Amy Mayo (Kevin) of Florida; Glenn “Bill” Fleming, Jr. (Jenny) of MD; Melanie Brooks (Bill) of Chesapeake and Christie Johnson of Chesapeake. Great-grandchildren include: Evan Mayo (Amy), Ian and Elijah Fleming (Bill) and Charlotte Brooks (Melanie).
Jim will be remembered for his love of singing and playing his “fiddle”. Retirement from Public Works at Norfolk Naval Base as an Inspector allowed for many hours in the kitchen where he could be found making his family’s favorite pickles, peanut brittle, delicious 4-Day Coconut Cake and other signature recipes. Jim could be heard playing a hoedown with his buddies at Hardee’s on a Saturday night as well as with the musical group, Group Therapy.
The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Wings Over Virginia Hospice Care especially his nurse Sara; and nurse “Emma” of Emma’s Home in Chesapeake. Services will be private for the family at a future date.
My uncle Jim , we might not have been close in my younger years but in our latter years you had become a buddy , a friend , a man I looked up to and my last uncle , I know you’re with the ones that we both love now , I truly believe heaven is a better place but I will miss you dearly . love ya uncle Jim
I will very much miss our talks sitting in Mr. Johnson’s sun room. Both Jim and Jim Jr. were great mentors of mine. They helped put me make ends meet through college working side jobs but more importantly, I will be forever grateful for their friendship and guidance. Rest peacefully Mr. Johnson.
It has been an honor knowing Jim for the past two years. I will cherish the memories we shared together.
The love he had shown was unconditional and truly from the heart.
Those we hold closest to our hearts never truly leave us. They live in the kindness they shared and the love they have brought into our lives.
Rest in peace my friend, we find comfort in your memory and love.
We thank God for the full life you lived and how peacefully he called you home.
Your faith and strength are an inspiration and will carry on.
We love you!
Curtis and Arlene
Senior will forever be in my heart. He is truly missed!
Jim was such a nice man. We loved his fiddle playing. He was a regular attender to our sunday school class.