James Franklin Johnson

Reverend (Dr) James Franklin Johnson, age 83 of Ocean Springs, Mississippi passed away on May 29, 2017 at Ocean Springs Hospital. James was born November 9, 1933 in Castille, LA., to the late James and Enola Johnson. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances Fay Johnson of 54 years, brothers Donald and Emmett and sisters Elaine and Dolores. James will be loved and missed by his family, including his wife Judy Busby Johnson, whom he married June 19, 2010, children Deborah Johnson of Ocean Springs, Pamela Rainey of Ocean Springs, and Glenda (Bob) Hubbs of Franklin, NC, and daughters by marriage, Tammy Forge & Kim Bourgeois. In addition, he leaves 6 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 4 step grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins. James served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force. Brother Johnson’s life was dedicated to serving the Lord and was known as a soul winner. He was pastor of churches in Illinois, Alabama, North Carolina and Mississippi. He was part of the evangelist team for Moody Adams and organized many crusades all across the south. While serving as pastor of Longview Baptist Church in Franklin, NC he had the opportunity to travel to South Korea to share the gospel where many accepted the call of Christ. While a member of Lemoyne Baptist church, brother Johnson was instrumental in organizing thousands of volunteers over a two-year period in rebuilding of over 100 homes in the local area after the destruction caused by hurricane Katrina. He earned his Doctorate of Divinity and served as a professor at the Mississippi Baptist Seminary in Gulfport, MS where he taught for 39 years and served as Dean for the last 7 years. He was a member of Big Ridge Baptist Church in D’Iberville, MS. Brother Johnson has never met a stranger and has touched many lives over the years. In the military people knew him as Sergeant Johnson. To the congregations of the churches he served he was known as Brother Johnson. To the students in the seminary they knew him as Professor Johnson or Dr. Johnson, to the crafters he was known as Cajun John (he built and sold wooden toys for over 15 yrs.) But to all who came to know him they could call him friend. And the God of all creation knows him as His child and a good and faithful servant. Family will receive friends Thursday evening, June 1st, between 6:00 and 8:00 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs Ms. Funeral services will be Friday morning, June 2nd, at 11:00 at the Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS. Graveside service will follow at 2:30 at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Ocean Springs, MS.