James “Jim” Tillery Johnson, age 86 of Ahoskie, died Friday, December 5, 2008 under Hospice care at the home of Jamie and Becky Johnson with family members at his side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and other complications.
Jim was born May 9, 1922 in Scotland Neck and was the son of the late Hugh and Ruby Tillery Johnson.
Jim’s early schooling was in Scotland Neck, but after his dad lost the family farm in the great depression, Jim’s family moved to Raleigh where he graduated from N.B. Broughton. Jim attended NC State College and was a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity until he joined the Army in 1943.
Jim served his country in WWII and was a POW in Germany. After leaving the Army in 1945, he graduated from NC State, Class of “47, on the GI Bill with a degree in agriculture. Jim’s first love was farming, but he was a multi-talented entrepreneur, being involved in nursing homes, restaurants, LP gas distribution, Ace Hardware and other endeavors in Scotland Neck and Ahoskie areas.
He was well known for his infectious smile, his love of “old folks” and his “can do “ attitude. His love of hard work was an inspiration to his children, his community, his many partners and employees.
Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck and the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie .
Jim was married to the late Gene Johnson for 37 years and they shared a love of Atlantic Beach and their many friends in Eastern North Carolina.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 11 a.m. in Baptist Cemetery in Scotland Neck and will receive friends prior to the service at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2008 at 2 p.m. at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie with a reception to follow. Rev. Jeff Douglas will officiate.
He is survived by his children, Hugh Johnson and his wife, Elvira, of Hawaii, Mandy Johnson of Morehead City, Jamie and Becky Johnson of Ahoskie, Evans Johnson of Ahoskie, Katy Lewis and her husband, Ceaso, of Scotland Neck, Jim Lea and his wife, Catherine, of Wilmington, and Rhett Quattlebaum and her husband, Corey, of Greenville; grandchildren Jason, Michael, Scarlett, Lauren, Tillery, Loftin, Steed, Ashley, Cullen, Eliza and Addy; sister-in-law, Molly Johnson of Winston Salem; and a special friend and caregiver Bernice Mabine; and his first wife Katy Evans Johnson.
Jim was predeceased by a brother, Hugh Johnson; a sister, Ruby McLaughon; two nieces, Nell McLaughon and Amy Johnson Steele; and one nephew, James Weeks Johnson.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Garrett Funeral Home in Ahoskie.
Memorials can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Ahoskie Food Pantry, Scotland Neck Food Bank, First Baptist Church of Scotland Neck, 1015 Church Street, Scotland Neck, NC 27874, University Health Systems Hospice Care, 521 West Myers Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910 and Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.
Friends and family may send online condolences and sign the online register at www.garrettfh.com.