James Austin (Jj) Johnson left this earthly life early Sunday morning, December 11, 2016. He was born on November 24, 1947 in Greenville, South Carolina to the late James Albert and Mary Nell Marrs Johnson. A graduate of Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Jj received his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and History.

Jj was a lay minister in the Episcopal Church and a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Lake Village, Arkansas. He was also a graduate of and instructor for the Education for the Ministry program from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. For almost 20 years he published a daily email prayer chain, "Dry Bones", named for the Biblical passage of Ezekiel 37:1-14.

Jj enjoyed immensely his career in newspaper work, which began in 1974 at The Franklin County Citizen. He worked as reporter, sports editor, news editor, and managing editor at several newspapers in GA before moving to Crossett, Arkansas in 2000 to work for the Ashley News Observer. His final newspaper job was editor and publisher of the Chicot Spectator in Lake Village, Arkansas, from which he retired for health reasons in 2004.

Jj was an avid photographer and motorcyclist. He loved riding his Honda Interstate and camping with his family. During retirement Jj and Judy enjoyed RV'ing and volunteering at state and national parks and other campgrounds around the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Judy Whitworth Johnson, son William Earl Johnson, and grandchildren Benjamin and Elizabeth Johnson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Peggy and David Tatum and Betty and Kenneth Stephens; niece, Angie McBrayer; nephew, Todd Tatum.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at 3pm at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Lake Village, Arkansas with Rev. Gene Crawford and Rev. Larry Donaldson officiating. In Toccoa, Georgia a memorial service will also be held the week after Christmas. In lieu of flowers, please make any memorial donations to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 416 S. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village, AR 71653 or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.