Dr. James Erwin Johnson, or lovingly known as Papaw to some, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at age 86 on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. He was born on March 5, 1937 in Baytown, Texas to Nathe and Mary Johnson.

Dr. Johnson was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was Baptist by faith and a member of Grace Church in DeFuniak Springs. James spent the majority of his life dedicated to being a faithful servant to Jesus Christ. He began preaching at 15 years old and continued to preach at numerous churches in Texas and Florida including Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church. Additionally, Dr. Johnson led several mission trips to both the Philippines and Mexico. James graduated from Robert E. Lee Highschool in Baytown, Texas. He then went on to graduate from East Texas Baptist University where he received doctorates in both theology and math. James married the love of his life, Linda G. Johnson, on July 20, 1965. Not only did Dr. Johnson spend his life dedicated to serving the Lord from the pulpit, but he also served him through his passion for education. Dr. Johnson spent many years teaching upper-level high school math, retiring from Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) in 2002. James, along with his late wife, helped write curriculum for Accelerated Christian Schools (ACE), and they spent many years traveling across the states to start Christian Schools together. Dr. Johnson was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all he came into contact with.

Dr. Johnson is preceded in death by his parents; one brother Joe Johnson; one sister Hazel Downs; his wife Linda Johnson; and his son Daniel Johnson.

Dr. Johnson is survived by his daughter-in-law Suzanne Johnson of DeFuniak Springs, Florida; two grandsons Logan Johnson and wife Paige of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, Brandon Johnson and wife Faith of Lakeland, Florida; three nieces Debbie Thain and husband Buster of Baytown, Texas, Brenda Beauchamp and husband Ken of Baytown, Texas, Jamie Johnson of San Diego, California; three nephews John Downs and wife Angela of Baytown, Texas, Mike Downs and wife Abby of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jory Johnson and wife Jessica of Lone Tree, Colorado; as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation services will be held 10:00 - 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Grace Church; 298 Walton Road, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 18, 2023, at Grace Church; 298 Walton Road, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433, with Dr. Bobby Tucker officiating.

Floral arrangements are being accepted or donations may be made to Grace Church at https://www.gracedefuniak.org/online-giving.html.

Burial will follow in the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery.

You may view funeral services live at https://www.facebook.com/claryglennfh/