James Winford Johnson

James Johnson, age 65 of Lansing NC, graced heaven’s doorsteps the afternoon of March 3, 2021 while at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC. James was born on March 11, 1955 to Thomas and Beulah Johnson. James was born and raised in Lansing, alongside three siblings, and the sense of ‘family’ that was established during his youth carried effortlessly into his adulthood. He cared deeply for his family, his community, and his acquaintances, all of which he considered friends. James spent over 40 years of his life as a school bus driver and was able to share his gentle, caring spirit with many children and their families. In all of those years, there was never a face on that bus that was forgotten or lost to him. He labored tirelessly as a Christmas Tree Farmer and worked to ensure that every home, at least those he knew directly, experienced a little magic during the holidays. James’s craftsmanship in carpentry was impeccable, and this earth wields many treasures built by his two steady hands. While James never married or had children of his own, his love for his nieces and nephews was unconditional and resembled a love deeper than any lineage can bound. James had a remarkable way of making others feel comfortable and welcome in his presence. Though never boastful, he was proud of his home, of what he built and never saw fit to leave. He enjoyed life, embraced it for what it was, and rarely uttered a complaint, even when warranted. Slow to anger, never one to judge, selfless, humble and honest, he was good. He was just inherently good.

James is preceded in death by his father, Tom Johnson. He is survived by his mother Beulah Johnson, of the home, two brothers, Bob Johnson and Bill Johnson and wife Mary all of Lansing,  sister, Debbie Blevins and husband, Randy of Lansing. Nieces and nephews, Adam Johnson and wife Amanda of Creston, Paige Blevins of West Jefferson, Tristan Blevins and wife Trinity of Lansing, Jasmine Johnson of Lansing, Natasha Bourne and husband Jesse of Piney Creek and Emily Blevins of Sparta.  Great nieces and great nephews, Jasmine Johnson, Bowen and Ophelia Shatley, Payton Blevins, Abbe and Zoey Bourne and Halie and Luke Miller.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, March 8, 2021 at the Johnson Brooks Cemetery by Rev. Joey McClure and Rev. Tommy Dollar.