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James E.
"Jimmy" Johnson, 90, of Alderson, passed on to his eternal
rest on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Peyton Hospice House,
Fairlea, following a short illness.
Born Jan. 25, 1925 near Fort Springs, he was the only child
of the late Robert S. and May Holt Johnson of Alderson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his
wife of 63 years, Betty Jo Pitzer Johnson, in 2014 and a
son, Robert Marshall Johnson, in 1971.
Jimmy is survived by his son, Thomas H. Johnson and wife,
Terri, of Lewisburg; daughter, Barbara J. Sanders and
husband, David, of Alderson; granddaughter, Cheri J. Grigsby
and husband, Mark, of Morgantown; grandson, Michael James
Johnson of Lewisburg; and great-grandsons, Chase and Andrew
Grigsby of Morgantown. |
Jimmy was raised and lived most of
his life in Greenbrier County, in Alderson or the surrounding area
and was a graduate of Alderson High School Class of 1948.
He served stateside during World War II as a pilot and pilot
instructor in the Army Air Corps, flying P40 Warhawks. He was
educated in Alderson area schools and went on to earn both his
bachelor and master's degrees from West Virginia University, then
went to work for the WVU Extension Service, serving 32 years as
Greenbrier County's 4-H Club agent. He also farmed at Eastview Farm
on Blue Sulphur Springs Road for 48 years.
During his 4-H agent career, he received many commendations and
awards, including 4-H All Stars, the University Off-Campus Educator
of the Year award and National Distinguished Service award. He held
every major office, including the office of president, in the states
4-H Agent Association and the Extension Service Association, and on
the National Board of Directors of 4-H Agents Association. He was
instrumental in the development of the Greenbrier County Youth Camp.
In 2013, Jimmy, along with the Greenbrier County 4-H All Stars
History Committee, published the book, "The History of 4-H in
Greenbrier County West Virginia 1908-2008."
Jimmy was also instrumental in, along with others, the development
of Greenbrier Community College Center. He served on the Greenbrier
County Board of Health, the Bluefield State College Foundation Board
and the county's Farm Bureau Board. He had been a member of the Farm
Bureau and the Cattleman's Association, as well as a member of
Alderson Presbyterian Church, where he had served as a deacon and
elder for many years. He was a charter member of the Sons of the
American Revolution, and was past president both locally and
statewide.
Jimmy Johnson was given the "Spirit of the Oak" award by Alderson
Schools for outstanding contributions by a citizen of Alderson. He
was inducted into the West Virginia 4-H Hall of Fame and the West
Virginia Agriculture & Forestry Hall of Fame, both in 2003. He
attributed his accolades to his many colleagues, volunteers, friends
and family.
There will be a "Celebration of Life" service at Alderson
Presbyterian Church, Alderson, at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 28.
The family requests no flowers. Those wishing to make a memorial
gift may do so to any of the following: Greenbrier County Youth
Camp, c/o Lucie Refsland, 2 Highland Circle, Lewisburg, WV 24901;
Greenbrier County 4-H Foundation, c/o Jo Long, P.O. Box 586,
Lewisburg, WV 24901; Alderson Community Center, P.O. Box 552,
Alderson, WV 24910; Alderson Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 126,
Alderson, WV 24910; or Peyton Hospice House, 1265 Maplewood Ave.,
Lewisburg, WV 24901.
Arrangements by McCraw Funeral Home, Lewisburg.
Source:
Charleston Gazette |
