James A. Johnson, a longtime resident of Kenedy, Texas, passed away at 3:30 A.M., Monday, July 9, 2012 at the Frank M. Tejeda Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas at the age of 87 years, 7 months and 5 days.

James was born December 4, 1924 in Kenedy, Texas the son of James Walter Johnson and Ruth Byars Johnson. He attended Kenedy schools and went to work for General Mills.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army having fought in World War II. On August 27, 1947, James married Mildred Schultz in Kenedy. The two of them raised their two children in Kenedy and attended the First Methodist Church.

James is survived by his daughter, Trudy Smothers and husband Ken of Columbus, Texas; his son, James Johnson of Moore, Oklahoma; his sister, Shirley White and husband Roy of Texas City, Texas; his brothers, Larry Johnson and wife Carol of Dickinson, Texas and Jack Johnson and wife Penny of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andrew, Phillip and wife Rachel and Mandy Johnson and Jason, Chris and Kendra Smothers; and his great-grandson, Joshua Johnson. Preceding Mr. Johnson in death are his wife, Mildred Johnson; and his parents, James Walter and Ruth Byars Johnson.

Visitation was held, Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, July 12, 2012 in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. George Bradley officiating. Interment with Military Honors followed in the Karnes City Memorial Park Cemetery in Kenedy, Texas. Serving as pallbearers were, Andrew Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Chris Smothers, Clay Pace, Larry Johnson and Paul May. Honorary pallbearers were, Jason Smothers, Mandy Johnson, Kendra Smothers and Joshua Johnson.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Methodist Building Fund or the Kenedy Library.