James Richard Johnson

James Richard Johnson, a man of profound faith, deep laughter, and an unshakeable love for his family, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17th. He leaves behind a legacy of joy, service, and a life lived to the very fullest.

Born to Chellie “Shell” Bulloch Johnson and Ollie James Johnson, Jim grew up in the tight-knit community of Diboll, Texas, where everyone knew him simply as "Babe." Life on Park Street was a special kind of upbringing - the kind where neighbors weren’t just friends, they were family. Growing up, he was part of a group of children who were as close as brothers and sisters, a bond that remained unbroken and cherished throughout his entire life.

As a young man, Jim joined the United States Navy. He often described his time in the service as his "education to life." He carried a deep sense of pride for his country, and nothing thrilled him more than sharing stories of his adventures at sea. The Navy shaped him, but his heart for his family truly defined him.

For 32 years, he and his wife, Pat, built a life centered on their faith, fun, and devotion. Jim and Pat shared a beautiful partnership on and off the dance floor, and his love for dancing was just one more way he showed his incredible appetite for life. Jim had a natural rhythm and spirit. He never missed an opportunity to lead Pat or one of his girls onto the dance floor, and he did so with a smile that lit up the entire room. When he wasn’t dancing or traveling with Pat, you could often find him by the water. He was a gifted fisherman who found great peace in the quiet of the outdoors.

Above all else, Jim was a family man. He absolutely lit up whenever his daughters were in the room. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pat Johnson; his daughters and their families: Tiffany and Justin McClung, along with his grandchildren Braydon and Siena; and Jennifer and Richard Trenholme, along with his grandchildren Jonathan and Christopher. Jim also held a very special place in his heart for his nephews, Jim Cook and Chris McCroskey, whom he loved as his own, as well as a host of dear friends who will miss him deeply.

A man of strong Christian faith, Jim loved his Lord and walked through life with the assurance of God’s grace. We will deeply miss his warmth and the infectious way he moved through the world. Jim had a way of making everyone around him feel seen and special. While we mourn the loss of his radiant smile and the booming laughter that filled our hearts, we take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with those who went before him: his parents, and his siblings, Bobbye Medina Duckworth, Von L. Wilson Jr., Linda L. Cook, and Joseph S. Johnson.

He loved the Navy, he loved to fish, and he loved to dance - but most of all, he loved us. He will be deeply missed.