On April 3, 1961, James Arilious Johnson Sr. was the eighth child born to the union of the late Eugene and Teretha Johnson of Rivera Beach, Florida. James was an “All-American” quarterback at Suncoast High School and gained the nickname of ‘747’ because of his significant arm strength when throwing a football. As a Suncoast Charger, James graduated in 1980 and later attended collegiate football for 2 years in Kansas. After college, James began his career working for Arnolds Bakery in Rivera Beach, Florida, where he was employed for more than 17years. James was a happy, gregarious, family man that has always followed his dreams. James’ passion for on-road truck driving, lead him to Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he started his truck driving career. Later, he transitioned to becoming a fuel tanker driver for Brenner Oil, where he worked for 8 years before he succumbed to death. James had a glowing personality and always provided words of wisdom and advice. He was a man that loved the presence of talking with people and providing self-confidence. His witty smile, jubilant heart is symbolic that others inspire to achieve. James was a patron of his family and was devoted, loving and dedicated as a father and husband. He was a man of faith and a believer of accomplishing your goals. James was a true fan of the Dallas Cowboys and loved spending time with his kids and traveling with his wife. His was a member of the Men’s Ministry of River of Life Fellowship Church, New Hope Masonic Lodge and countless softball teams of Rivera Beach, Florida.

Surviving this transition are his loving spouse of 18 years, Sharonda D. Johnson; son, James Johnson Jr. of Conway, South Carolina; Daughters, Shayla Johnson, Channel Johnson, Shantel Johnson all of West Palm Beach, Florida, and Leonni Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; brothers, Leon ( Debra) Smith of West Palm Beach, Florida, Arthur Toombs, Eugene( Robin) Johnson Jr. and Raymond (Tashia) Johnson all of Rivera Beach, Florida; sisters, Alberta Thompson of New Jersey, and Lecia Davis of Rivera Beach, Florida; brother-in-law, Al Brown of West Palm Beach, Florida; Mother-in-law, Jeannette Johnson of Fort Pierce, Florida; grandkids, Zion and King Newsome of Rivera Beach, Florida; aunt Julia Scott of Orlando, Florida and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorrowing friends who loved and will miss him dearly.

Public viewing for James Johnson, Sr. will take place on Friday, January 1, 2020 by way of our drive-thru in the rear of Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL between the hours of 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Graveside funeral services will convene on Saturday, January 2, 2020 at 12:00pm at Riverview Memorial Park in Fort Pierce, FL.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID 19 have been relaxed, we here at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 ft. social distancing guidelines as well.