James E. Johnson

James Edward Johnson, affectionately known as "Jap", was born September 19, 1941 to Lester and Letha Donald Inman Johnson in Lumberton, North Carolina with later relocating to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. James peacefully departed on December 10, 2016 at home surrounded by family after a long battle of illnesses. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Lester, Curtis, Hubert, and Nathaniel; six sisters: Lillie Belle, Mary Lois, Letha Louise, Alice Jean, Naomi (Tune) and Lula Mae; and son Orlando Johnson (Pete). James enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was strict but also loving. Whenever his family needed him, he made sure he was there. Until he became ill, James was employed with Yellow Cab, where he served 52 years as a taxi driver in Washington, D.C. He also spent time with Edward & Hodges Funeral Home as a limousine driver in his spare time. His hobbies were card playing, gambling, betting of the horses, and traveling. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and looked forward to watching the games on Sundays. Family members left to cherish his memories are wife, Barbara Johnson (Cheltenham, MD); seven daughters: Eliza Hinton (Bronx, New York), Juanita Johnson (Rocky Mount, North Carolina), Marsha Johnson (Waldorf, Maryland), Jenique Jones (Charlottesville, Virginia), Chrystal Walker (Raynell) of Bowie, MD, Natasha Bumpass (Duane) of Upper Marlboro, MD and Bridget Gatling (Fort Washington, MD); step-son: Kendall Byrd (Jacksonville, FL); 1 sister: Bessie Brown (Lumberton, NC), 2 sisters-in-law: Katie Johnson (Rocky Mount, NC) and Sonthi Johnson (Germantown, MD), 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James E. Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.