James Thomas Johnson

James “Jimmy” Thomas Johnson, 90, passed away on November 24, 2024 at Tennessee Veterans Home in Clarksville, Tennessee. Jimmy was born in Escambia County, Florida on November 29, 1933 and resided in Pensacola, Florida for the majority of his life. In 2021, John and his wife, Lori, helped Jimmy and Martha relocate to Adams, Tennessee after Jimmy’s health and memory began to decline.

He was the oldest of three sons born to Johnny and Gladys Johnson. He was a United States Army Veteran and served during 1954-1956. He continued his service to country by becoming a Navy Civil Servant, painting aircraft and naval infrastructure for 23 years. He was an active member and Deacon of New Beginnings Baptist Church formerly Brownsville Baptist Church. He was married to Martha Jane Donaldson at Whitfield Baptist Church on August 28, 1959. He would go on to father 3 sons, and become known as Grandpa to 4 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Jimmy was an avid fisherman and collector. After their 50th wedding anniversary, Martha and Jimmy became known as the “Cruising Couple” after enjoying 14 cruises together! Jimmy enjoyed spending time tinkering in his home garage and frying fish for his church and family.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Jane Johnson, his brother, John Kenneth (Sharon) Johnson, his sons, John T. (Lori) Johnson, and Joseph “Joe” Johnson, his grandchildren, Christine (Alex), Matthew (Casey), Amber, Brandon (Lauren) and great-grandchildren, Cheyanne, Adam, Annabelle, Robert John, Hunter, Rosalind, and Eli, numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, William G. “Johnny” Johnson and Gladys Johnson, his son, Gregory Johnson, and his brother, William “Jerry” (Joye) Johnson.

Services will be held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday December 3, 2024 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm and the Funeral Service will be officiated by Dr. John Pavlus and begin at 1:00 pm.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy’s sons and grandsons.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Tennessee Veterans Home, House number 2, for their excellent care of Jimmy for the last 2 years. We would especially like to recognize Pam, Angelica, Nancy, Michelle, Kim, Dana, Linda, the night shift nurses and activity facilitators for their compassion, entertainment and kindness to Jimmy. We knew he was well cared for your hands. We would also like to thank and remember our dear friends and lunch buddies, Mr. Harold Wade and his wife, Wilma. Your companionship over the last two years has meant the world to us.