James Alfred Johnson Jr.

James Alfred Johnson Jr., 85, of Orange Park, Florida, passed away on April 2, 2026, following an extended illness. James was born on December 25, 1940, in Inman, Virginia, and grew up in Lynch, Kentucky. He spoke fondly of his childhood in Lynch exploring the Black Mountain countryside with his seven brothers and sisters.

Enlisting at the age 17, he served his country proudly in the United States Navy, retiring as a Senior Chief after 20 years of service. He then worked for the U.S. Federal Civil Service as a tool room mechanic, starting at the Naval Air Station Pensacola and retiring at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville in 2006. He was blessed to have shipmates and civilian coworkers who became lifelong friends enriching his life greatly.

In 1959 James was assigned to the USS Glacier, whose mission as a part of its Mission Deep Freeze was clearing the ice for passage to McMurdo Station in Antarctica. In 1960 as a young U.S. Navy sailor seeking a pen pal, James carved a message on a piece of wood and tossed it over the side of his ship. It washed ashore in Christchurch, New Zealand, and found its way to his future wife, Judy. Her first letter was returned multiple times, eventually reaching James in port at Rio de Janeiro. This exchange led to a three-year courtship, culminating in marriage and a move by Judy to the United States in 1963.

James was an avid bass fisherman and lifetime member of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. On weekends you could find him fishing sun-up to sun-down in his boat on the lakes and rivers of Florida and Alabama. At his Orange Park home he enjoyed a pond in his backyard filled with bass, geese, ducks, and turtles. He and Judy had a passion for pets, owning numerous dogs and birds throughout their lives, which brought joy, love, and life to their household. Later in life they adopted neighborhood cats that they unapologetically spoiled.

James and Judy loved bowling, joining many leagues, having great fun together, and making many friends. They traveled extensively throughout the United States. A special family vacation in their motor home took them from Pensacola to Nevada, California, Wyoming, and other states, having a profound impact on their son Duane’s life.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Judith Ann Johnson; his parents, James and Fanny Johnson Sr.; his brothers, Joseph “Joe” Johnson, Freddie Johnson, Ronald “Ronnie” Johnson; and sisters, Mary Maggard and Brenda Letanosky.

James is survived by his son, Duane Johnson (Clare); brothers, Vilice “Bub” Johnson (June), and Douglas Johnson; grandson, Bradley Johnson (Katie); granddaughter, Savannah Johnson; and a host of extended family and friends. The Johnson family thanks the many caring neighbors of the Bear Run community for their love and support given to James and Judy over the last 30 years.

James will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, incredible father, and faithful friend, who embraced life and faced its challenges with courage and strength.

Funeral Services will be held 11:30 AM, Monday, April 13, 2026, at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL, with visitation held one hour prior to service.

Burial will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL, at 1:30 PM in Lane 3.