James Johnson, was born October 3, 1927, one of four children of Robert and Elizabeth Johnon. Jim was educated in the Baltimore City Public Schools. He graduated from Cortez Peters Business College and completed two years at Rehirg Electronic School. During his teen years, Jim became famous locally for his athletic ability in two areas, basketball and swimming. In a news article (printed by the Afro American News-paper) he was heralded as the human fish. Jim served in the United States Army Air Force achieving the rank of T/5. He was honorably discharged in October 1947. His work career included Johns Hopkins University as a laboratory technician, Fort George G. Meade as a communications equipment operator, Locke Insulator Company (General Electric) as a quality control inspector. A strong union activist, he served as president of UE Local #120, Baltimore, Maryland for eight years. Jim was an assistant scout master for the Boy Scouts of America, specifically Troop 261, of which his sons and many of their friends were members. Jim was an energetic and dependable volunteer at The Great Blacks in Wax Museum. He was recognized by the board of trustees with a plaque for his many contributions. He was a faithful member of First Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he served as president of the senior usher board, as well as the official church photographer. Free lance photography was one of Jim's hobbies. He was a very outgoing person, and wow, did he love to talk. He had a dynamic personality that drew people close to him. His wonderful sense of humor and his tendency to tease made him a lot of fun to be around. A great lover of jazz, Jim amassed a huge collection of music. He traveled extensively to attend many concerts with his dear friends, Bill and Liz, who were great jazz performers. He leaves with precious memories: two sons, James Jr., Michael and wife Michelle; ten grandchildren, Mia, Leanda, Kimberly, Shannon (who is currently serving in Afghanistan), Brittney, Jamie, Malik (who is serving in the U.S. Army), Kareem, Amirah and Khalil. Also mourning his loss are seven great grandchildren, Armeara, Trinity, Payton, Miles, Kalilah, Alonna and Torian; aunt, Elise Hackett, de voted friend, Barbara Ruffin; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby, his sisters, Ida and Bertha and his wife, Evelyn. Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Monday, January 06, 2014 03:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave.
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Tuesday, January 07, 2014 10:00 AM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Funeral to begin @ 10:30 am Directions