James Junior Johnson III
Life is nothing, but a flower that blooms and then fades away as the morning dew. It matters not how old or how young. God above knows the date and the hour. The late Deacon James Junior Johnson III, affectionately also known as "Bookie" or "Congo-Man" by family and friends, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, at the age of 53.
James was known as a loving, caring, compassionate and generous person. He was no stranger to anyone, and his heart was always open, willing to help those in need or provide spiritual guidance.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon James Johnson Jr. and Deaconess Mattie Mae Johnson; and wife, Eugenia Smith Johnson. Deacon Johnson leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memories a stepson, DeAndre Smith of Charleston, S.C.; one brother, Dan Johnson (Stephanie) of Hephzibah, Ga.; seven sisters: Joan Navarro (Raymond), San Antonio, Texas, Mary Gander (Charles), Jacksonville, Fla., Shirley Bolton (Lonniell), Oklahoma City, Okla., Sheila Adams, Key West, Fla., Desiree Johnson, Key West, Melanie Johnson (Leon), Charlotte, N.C., Josephine Walker (Michael), Jacksonville, Fla.; a beloved friend, Jacqueline Williams, Key West; his favorite Uncle and Aunt, Benjamin Johnson, Lady Island, S.C., and Ida Mae Penerton, Florida City, Fla.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, aunts, a host of sorrowing friends, and the Saint James First Baptist Church Family.
A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Friday, July 13, 2012, at Bethel AME Church. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Bethel AME Church with the Rev. John McKinsey officiating. Graveside services will be held at Southern Keys Cemetery, Big Coppitt Key.
"My address has changed; I no longer live in my house. I now live in Jesus' house, I got a new address. No more pain, no more doctors' prescriptions to be filled, no more pills to take. I now have a new address. But I'm not worried because I bought a piece of land, a long time ago, made by Jesus' hands. Family and friends don't worry about me, because I made my plans to live on Jesus' Land. I GOT A NEW ADDRESS!"