I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown o/righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.--ll Timothy 4: 7-8 (KJV)

Louis James Johnson was affectionately known as "L. J.", the patriarch of the Johnson Family, was born on Wednesday, March 25, 1931, in Jasper (Marion Station), Florida to the late James and Marie Paul Johnson. He was the eldest child of a family of thirteen children.

L.J. was reared in a large and loving family. He learned that loyalty and a great work ethic would serve him well in life. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. During the early years of his life, he joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Jasper, Florida. He attended the schools of Hamilton County.

L.J. was joined in Holy Matrimony with Delois Mitchell, and to their blessed union, twelve children were born.

In his early career, he worked in agriculture and the lumber industries. Later he worked as an entrepreneur. He finally settled his professional aspirations, becoming employed by the Hamilton County Schools Transportation Department for over three decades, until his retirement.

He loved his family, gardening, fishing, and sports. During his lifetime he would become well known as a master syrup maker, a tradition his sons carry excellently. L. J. also enjoyed a good conversation with the fellas. He touched so many during his lifetime.

On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, God called L. J. home to eternal rest. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delois, one child, a grandson, Steven Williams, two great-grandchildren, his parents, James and Marie Johnson, his siblings, Marie Johnson-Brown, Georgia, Emma, L.W., Jack, and Roosevelt Johnson.

Those left to celebrate his life legacy and cherish his love are: his loving children, four sons, Richard (Tangela) Johnson, William R. (Ethel) Johnson, Lewis James Johnson and Carl W. Johnson; eight daughters, Joyce C. Johnson, Martha J. (Gary) Anderson, Julia J. (Harold) Baker, Carrie J. (Patrick) Pierce, Michelle J. (Taryon) Williams, Eliza L. Johnson, Kim J. (Alfonza) Pender and Towanda J. (Donald) Harris; Thirty (30) grandchildren, Twenty-six (26) great-grandchildren, Eleven (11) great-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Lewis (Daisy) Johnson, Eugene (Sally) Johnson and Ernest (Lula) Johnson; three sisters, Catherine Johnson, Ida Johnson Keel and Lula Mae Johnson; a sister-in-law, Emily Johnson; a devoted cousin, Odell Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.