Rev. James H Johnson

Shortly after Christmas in 1923, Rev. James Henry Johnson was born on Wednesday, January 2^nd1924. His loving and devoted father and mother were the late Christopher Columbus Alasta and Anne Edell Johnson of Carrollton, Virginia. James was the last of 11 children, which includes 3 girls, Virginia, Irene and Anna, and 8 boys, Sidney, Al Catrous, Joe Bell, Eddie, King, Willie, Andrew and James. They were a loving family who attended Campbell Chapel AME Church and grew to be very respective, outspoken, outstanding citizens and leaders in the community.

James began this schooling at Carrollton Elementary School, then attended high school at Isle of Wight County Training School and graduated in 1941. He met his devoted wife of 54 years, the late Ida Mae Johnson in high school. The two were united in marriage on June 13, 1948 which resulted in the Christian rearing of 4 children.

James spent two years at Norfolk State College learning carpentry and living in various places such as Newport News, Suffolk and Norfolk Virginia until he decided to build his own home in Carrollton in 1951. Raising a family and working was difficult back then, but after a short employment with Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1952 he became a postal employee of Norfolk Naval Supply Center in Norfolk which is known today as United States Postal Service. He worked there for 28 years and eventually became assistant manager of South Norfolk facility until his retirement in 1980.

During this lifetime he has probably attended every A.M.E. Church conference and served in many civil organizations such as, president of the Isle of Wight Laymen's League, NAACP, member of Mason's organization and Odd Fellows club. He also served 14 years on the Isle of Wight School Board and was part of a social active team that fought and won a battle for desegregation and merging of public schools under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the County of Isle of Wright.

James had many interests and talents but his love for the Lord was never mistaken or forsaken. One night in 1975 God called upon him to preach and spread his WORD. He accepted with great joy and devotion and then somehow with all of his other obligations found time to study his "divine calling" at Norfolk State University. There he received and graduated with a Bachelors degree in religion and Social Studies in 1983.

He was ordained into the A.M.E. Church organization and was appointed pastor at his first church in 1978 in Chatham, Virginia. After that he ministered at several churches which included the Newsome Circuit in Franklin, Virginia, Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Carrollton, Virginia from 1980 to 1985, New Mount Olive A.M.E Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, from 1985 to 2001 and last, Greater Bethel AME Church in Chesapeake, Virginia from 2001 to 2003.

Around the age of 80 James semi-retired and return back home to Campbell's AME Church. He was an inspiration to all as he attended Sunday services as often as he could until his passing at his home on May 31^st, 2016. He is survived by his 4 children; Arlevia DeVan, Reginald Johnson, Christopher and Quentin Johnson. 4 grandchildren; Everett DeVan, Tara Johnson, Kelby Johnson and Christa Johnson and 5 great-grandchildren; Everett DeVan Jr., Kiarra DeVan, Madison Johnson, Morgan Johnson and Kelby Johnson Jr.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 10am on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Campbell's Chapel A.M.E Church Carrollton, VA. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5pm - 8pm with a wake service at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Entombment will be in the Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Suffolk, VA. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date June 4, 2016

A Celebration of Life service will be held 10am on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Campbell's Chapel A.M.E Church Carrollton, VA. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016 from 5pm - 8pm with a wake service at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Entombment will be in the Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Suffolk, VA. Professional services entrusted to Shivers Funeral Chapel.