James Lester Johnson, son of the late Luther S. Johnson, Sr. and O.Z. Sherrill Johnson, was born in Paducah, Kentucky on March 14, 1953.  James was called to his Heavenly Home at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 28 days on March 12, 2022. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 15, 1972. While enlisted he earned the National Defense Service Medal and was Honorably Discharged on February 16, 1974.

James attended Miles Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Paducah. He was employed as a dishwasher at the former Pork Peddler and continued his education beyond high school by taking college courses.

Music, especially what he termed "Old School Music", was a favorite along with his expertise in playing the bass guitar for over 32 years.  Some of his favorite artists included Al Green, B.B. King, Earth, Wind and Fire, Zapp featuring Roger, P-Funk, and many others.  James was a homebody who loved his children and grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed being around his family and close friends.  He was known to bring a smile with his favorite line, "I need a drink because my liver is quivering".

James is survived by His Spouse , Constance Johnson of The Villages, FL; Two Sons , Jovonte' Johnson of St. Louis Park, MN and Jeremy (Kristy) Johnson of Paducah, KY; Three Daughters , Jovonette Johnson and Trisha Hulslander, both of Paducah, KY and Kristen (Nathan) Bronaugh of New Braunfels, TX; Thirteen Grandchildren ; Four Brothers , Luther S. (Jackie) Johnson, Jr, Hildrey "Squirrel" (Gilda) Johnson, and Percy Johnson, all of Paducah, KY and Pastor Larry Johnson of Dallas, TX; Two Sisters , Edna Watson and Vanessa Blakemore, both of Rock Island, IL; Several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews, and Cousins .

He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther S. Johnson, Sr. and O.Z. Sherrill Johnson; one brother, Willie Joe Johnson, and two sisters, Mary Elizabeth Luten and Leverda Pierson.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 19, 2022, 12:00 Noon at Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Johnson of Greater True Light Baptist Church in Dallas, TX officiating. Visitation will take place beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.

All in attendance are required to wear a mask.

You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com