Reverend Dr. James Arthur Johnson

The Reverend Dr. James Arthur Johnson, age 67, of Tennille, died Saturday, August 8, 2015 at his residence. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the Grace Episcopal Church in Sandersville followed by a committal service at the Washington County Memorial Gardens with military honors. The Reverend Carlton Shuford will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of the service at Grace Church.

Reverend Johnson was born in Washington D.C. the son of the late Herbert Charles Johnson. He retired in 2012 to Tennille, his wife’s childhood home, after forty years in parish ministry as an Episcopal Priest and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Jim was a graduate of Shorter College in Rome, GA, Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA, Drew University in Madison NJ, and obtained post graduate certifications from The Georgia School of Professional Psychology and the University of Georgia Continuing Education Center and the Mid Atlantic Association for Training and Consulting. During his ministry, Reverend Johnson served in Parish Ministry in the diocese of West Virginia, the diocese of Newark, the diocese of Atlanta and ending his career as Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Murphy, NC. Jim enjoyed teaching and served as an Education for Ministry Mentor for the University of the South. In retirement, Jim served the church in supply work in the Diocese of Georgia and was active with the Boy Scouts serving as District Commissioner and Scout Master. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran serving in Vietnam and a member of the American Legion.

Survivors are; his wife Betty Jean Smith Johnson of Tennille; his children, Laura Elizabeth Johnson Wilburn of California, and Jacob Nathaniel Johnson of Tennille; granddaughters, Sarah Michelle Wilburn and Hope Anne Wilburn; and his mother Lily Ruth Bright Johnson.

Donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675.

May and Smith Funeral Directors of Sandersville is in charge of these arrangements.