Mr. James "Poppa" Johnson Obituary in Orangeburg at Simmons Funeral Home

Obituary For Mr. James "Poppa" Johnson

Funeral services for Mr. James “Poppa” Johnson, 80, of 407 Lost Creek Drive, Columbia will be held 12:00pm, Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Simmons Funeral Home Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC, with interment to follow in Belleville Memorial Gardens. Rev. Dr. Charcey Priester is officiating.

James Wade Johnson, affectionately called "Poppa," son of the late John Henry and Martha Baker Johnson was born on October 12, 1940 in Orangeburg, SC. After living 80 wonderful years, always happy and singing departed this life on December 24, 2020, surrounded by his love ones.

James was educated in the public-school system of Orangeburg, SC, and graduated with the Wilkinson High School class of 1960. He also attended Claflin University and Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College.

At an early age James gave his life to the Lord and became a member of Shiloh Baptist Church In Orangeburg, SC. He later joined St. Paul Baptist Church and was a dedicated and faithful member. He loved to sing and was a member of St. Paul's Mass Choir and Male Chorus and served as chairman over St. Paul's Sports Ministry.

James joined the Orangeburg Public Safety Department, and as a proud member of service he showed a strong sense of dedication to the community he served and took great pride in his policing duties. James rose through the ranks of leadership to Captain until his retirement. After retirement James ran and was elected Sheriff of Orangeburg County and was well respected by the citizens he served in the department's community police program.

Poppa along with coach James Williams founded the Orangeburg Track Club. They competed throughout the United States winning numerous medals and honors. Poppa truly cherished his time with the kids and providing opportunities they would not otherwise experience. The community truly appreciated his efforts teaching the children about competition and their travels throughout the United States displaying all their acquired skills. Poppa loved sports, but more than sports he loved the kids. May his voice of encouragement continue to echo in all their hearts.

James leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife of 60 years Mary Ruth; children, Montez L. Johnson, Sr. (Rose), Dinita M. Johnson, Rodney W. Johnson (Lillian), and Duane A. Johnson (Faith); brothers, Ezekiel Johnson, Wade Johnson (Miyoka); grandchildren, Montez L. Johnson, Jr., Essence Cook Phillips, Braeden Johnson, Miechelle Johnson, Reese Johnson, Etima Cook Sanders, Cyril Davis, Reyhnard Butler and Bernard Butler; nine great-grandchildren, loving uncle Sam Baker of Washington, DC; three brothers-in-law, Robert L. Keith, Eugene (Rose) Keith, Thomas (Loretta) Keith; sister-in-law Sadie M. Culler; lifelong best friend Willie Keitt; and a host of relatives, friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 28, 2020 from 1:00pm – 7:00pm.

Friends may call at the residence of his son, Mr. Rodney Johnson, 1964 Taylor Blvd, Orangeburg or Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions.

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My family &I send our condolences to the Johnson family during this difficult time. Poppa will be truly missed. He was full of life always had a bear hug & a warm smile that would lite up the room. Psalm 37:11. Your cousin Sandra Waters -Maryland

I remember James as being fun loving man that loved his family. You guys have my condolences. If there anything I can do please let me know. Martin Culler

Love you Uncle Poppa. Will miss that big smile and your laughter. Tell Pa hello and we miss him. You'll be missed. Your heart was golden and you loved the children. Test in Paradise UNC. Your days of suffering is over. Love You. Your niece Cecilia Johnson Whitfield P

Your vision will live on. I love you & I will never forget you. The girls and I will always makes sure Mama Mary & Nits are good. Thank you for everything you have done. You can't put price tag on love. You had big heart. You've touch so many lives.Thank you choosing me when your health started to fail to make sure Orangeburg Track Club continues. You will always saw what I couldn't in me. You were a man with a plan & a vision.You will always be the dad I never had. On behalf of the coaches,parents, former athletes & current thank you so much for paving the way. Rest in Paradise Poppa Love Stephanie D.Backmon Orangeburg Track Club admin.

A man filled with the joy of the Lord. Whenever I visited the home of the Johnsons,I was greeted with the hospitality of servants and the joy of the Lord. I will never forget the unique saying that Papa Johnson said to us one day as he was declining in his illness - "Stop on the good!" He was adamant and said it several times... To me that meant, regardless of the situation - find the silver lining and dwell on it! You will be missed. Rest In Peace, Mr. Johnson! Mrs Green, HaDora Hospice

PRAYERS for Sheriff Johnson's family & Many friend's.You served the citizens of Orangeburg well.You did so much for the shaping the lives of so many young men & women.R.I.P. Sir..

To the Johnson family from Rev. Sammie L. Gordon Sr. and Gordon's Shoes and Tax Service. Papa mother introduced Papa to me when he first came home from the city. I was an uncover advisor to him and his mother when he ran for Sheriff. I was the first person he came to and asked about running for Sheriff. I told him not only should he run for Sheriff, but he could also win. Whatever happened after that he was trying to make it better for his people. Rev. Sammie L. Gordon Sr.

Thinking of the entire Johnson family during this difficult time. I have such fond memories of James when I was child. I would go straight to James when I came over. RIP James! Love, Rochelle, Clive, & Cairo Davis

To Mary Ruth & family, You and your family are in my thoughts as you grieve this loss.Please accept my deepest sympathy. Sarah Herring Norwalk CT

To,My Uncle James,you were a inspiration to me, you will be missed, thanks for the talks and life advice.Rest in Peace,Sleep well,Love from your, Nephew,Barry,and Niece, Janelle Sullivan and Family, My Deepest Condolences to the Johnson Family,and friends!!

Uncle James left us with so many precious memories to cherish. Growing up, he was always a role model and continued to mentor us in our adult lives. He was a blessing to all who met him, and he will be sorely missed. Our hearts and prayers are with Aunt Mary and his children.
- Albert Culler and family, Bronx, NY

Sadie Culler and her family send their condolences to the Johnson family during their time of grief. May God continue to bless you at this sorrowful time and wrap you in his loving arms forever. Rest in peace my, brother. .