JAMES EDWARD JOHNSON

Funeral services for James Edward Johnson, of San Augustine were held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at Wyman Roberts Memorial Chapel with Bro. Buddy Pratt and Charles Sharp officiating. Committal service and interment will follow at Liberty Hill Memorial Garden in San Augustine.

Mr. James Edward Johnson was born March 7, 1931 in the North Jericho Community of Shelby County, Texas, to parents E.C. Johnson and Tennessee Windham Johnson. After graduating Center High School, James received an associate degree from Panola College in business administration. He was the first of his family to complete high school. In July 1953 he married the love of his life, Betty Sue Carroll. In October 1954, he was drafted to the U.S. Army and served until August 1956.

After returning from the Army, James went to work for Bruce’s Lumber in Center. Later he made his way to San Augustine when he accepted a job with Butts Chevrolet. It did not take long for the word to spread of his mechanic capabilities and Nathan Tindall soon persuaded him to come work at his business, T Texas Motors on U.S. Highway 96 south in San Augustine. While working there, James created a large clientele of local pulpwood haulers as he fixed their chainsaws in the back of T Texas Motors.

In January 1970, James officially opened Johnson’s Saw Shop. James continually operated Johnson’s Saw Shop for 53 years and provided a livelihood for his wife, Betty and their five children: Billy, Sheila, Virginia, Delores, and Brad. He took great pride in his work and established many lifelong friendships with his customers.

On June 3, 2023, the City of San Augustine Main Street program in partnership with the Texas Governor’s Office recognized his business, Johnson’s Saw Shop, with the Texas Treasure Business Award.

James could always be found outdoors. Fishing, hunting, cutting up firewood, loading scrap metal, and tending to his chickens in his later years were time well spent activities. James was rarely found sitting still. He was man of grit, endurance, and pure hard work. Although he put a lot of value on making a living, he labored for the benefit of his family, and he valued time with them most.

James Johnson officially retired to his mansion on the hill on July 21, 2023, at the age of 92 years old.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff of Stone Creek Nursing Home for their exceptional care. To his extended family at Brookshire Brothers and Tasha’s Country Kitchen, thank you for your friendship to him.

He is survived by: his sons, Billy Johnson and wife Becky, Brad Johnson and wife Laura; daughters, Virginia Noble and Delores Johnson; son-in-law, Marlon Miller; grandchildren, Brent Johnson and wife Teresa, Brittney Ford and husband Marlon, Duane Lister, Brianna Sterns, Demetrik Montgomery, and Cameron Noble; great-grandchildren, Kirbie Ford, Kaytlin Ford, Andrew Ford, Case Ford, Georgia Brook Ford, and Ayden Lister; brother-in-law, James Carroll and wife Debra; sisters-in-law, Edith McBride and husband Butch, Sharron Miller and husband Jerry, Kasey Carroll, Joyce Carroll; many well-loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friend.

Visit www.WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com for memories and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Stone Creek Nursing Home Alzheimer's Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine, Texas.

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