On Saturday, May 6th, James "Jimmy" Norris Johnson, husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend passed away at the age of 74. Mr. Johnson was born on April 12, 1949, in Davenport, Iowa, to the late Edward Lee and Helen Cady Johnson. He grew up selling peanuts as a child in Triangle City, later graduated from Leavelle McCampbell High School in Graniteville, and was a lifetime resident of Columbia. He worked for Duke Power for nearly twenty five years, but the most valuable job he had was being the family caregiver. His latest job was running Stumposaurus Stump Grinding with his son, Jeremy. He was always a hard worker and extremely dedicated in all of his endeavors. Jimmy was also a long-time member of the former Alpine Baptist Church, where he and his wife taught the "Little People's Sunday School Class."

For twenty five years, Jimmy was a faithful husband and best friend to his late wife, Sharon Yandle Johnson. Jimmy will be greatly missed by his children, Eddie Johnson (Jadell), Jessica Johnson Williams (Caleb), Jeremy Johnson, his three grandchildren, Caedie, Wesley, and Adysen, and his brother, Gary Johnson. Jimmy will also be remembered by his nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Jimmy was the number one fan of Jeremy & Eddie's bluegrass and gospel band, BlueFaith. He also followed the Braves closely and he looked forward to attending games with his family. Jimmy would keep up with Clemson football and loved to talk sports with his son-in-law, Caleb, who he chatted with nightly. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Jeremy for the love and sacrifice which made it possible for Dad to live a happy life at home, doing what he loved most: spending time with family and taking care of his pups, Savannah and Tybee.

The funeral service for Mr. Johnson will be held at 1 o'clock, Wednesday, May 10th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 11 until 12:30 o'clock. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Jimmy's honor to the American Heart Association or your own church ministry fund. Additionally, the family asks that anyone who feels compelled to honor him, spend time with their family enjoying a meal at their favorite fried chicken joint (his was Zesto of West Columbia), or by attending a baseball game in the summer surrounded by family.

Minutes before Jimmy passed, Dr. Joshua "Bear" Coney walked into the room. The care and compassion he showed Jimmy and his family in the moments that followed were nothing short of exceptional. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Coney and Dad's nurse, Michael, as well as the dedicated and caring teams who took care of him over the last month.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

Galatians 2:20/v.#18 KJV