James Arthur Johnson

James Arthur Johnson (affectionately called Jimmy), was born in Omaha, NE to Edna Johnson Statham and James Kirksey on March 15, 1969.He was eldest of the three siblings.His character showed that he was a big brother throughout his life.He was naturally a protector, listener, and someone people always went to when they needed advice, even when it was a hard truth they needed to hear.He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William Johnson and Alberdia Johnson, and his paternal grandparents Jewell Dean KirkseyFreeman and Clint Freeman. Jimmy had an interest in sports from a young age.His Aunt Cynthia was just one of many family members who enjoyed watching his games and encouraged him to keep at it.She was his first basketball coach as well.He was a natural athlete.At 18 he could jump over a whole car, even after he had not participated in sports for some time. Jimmy graduated from Central High School in 1987.In 1991, he met who would become his wife, Tammy.They crossed paths at his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Diane’s ’s apartment.Shortly after meeting, Jimmy took her out for the first time to one of his favorite food spots, King Fong on 16th St in downtown Omaha.They celebrated their anniversary at King Fong each year thereafter.From then on, they were inseparable.Their love for each other grew more fonder over time. That following year, their first child was born, whom he’d honored his mother by giving his first born her name, Edna.Three years later came his only son Justin.For years he participated in his kid’s sporting activities.He loved to brag about the accomplishments of his kids.He would take them to practice, then take extra time out to train them one on one at home.Jimmy really enjoyed being involved with Justin’s football team.By the end of his time coaching, he had recruited a few of his nephews and little cousins to join the team.He loved family and he loved his sports, so he wanted everybody that could to be involved!Then 17 years after having his first born, came the youngest daughter, Celess!Whom he honored his beloved Aunt Barbara by giving her middle name, Celess.He began to work the night shift at Roberts Dairy to take care of his baby girl during the day.Another one of his favorite pass times was to watch scary movies with her. Circumstances changed as his children became adults, but his interest in sports never did.He was very active in his grandsons sporting activities as soon as they were old enough to participate.He attended their games and even practices when he found time to.He encouraged them to work hard and push themselves.He challenged them to be the best.He loved to witness their competitiveness. Jimmy was also a great chess and card game player.Whenever there was a dispute about the rules of one of the games, everyone would go to Jimmy, the arbiter, to solve the dispute.We counted on Jimmy to do this because he was fair, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. In closing, one thing we can all agree on is that Jimmy will truly be missed.From his contagious laughter and smile, his funny stories, his phone to call when we needed advice, or when we needed to hear a harsh truth about ourselves, his movie reviews (if you knew Jimmy, you know he should have been a professional movie critic), all the way to the way he found joy in teasing us and knowing how to push our buttons!With all that being said, knowing Jimmy, we know at this time what he would want now more than ever is for his family to show strength and carry on in life honoring him by continuing to strive to be the best versions of ourselves. Jimmy’s love, devotion and friendship will be cherished by his wife, Tammy Johnson; children Edna (Kylen) Johnson; Justin (Kathy) Johnson; Celess Johnson; grandsons, RaShad Washington, Kylen Edwards Jr., Cameron Hanns Jr., Londyn Edwards, KhaLe Edwards, and Justin Johnson Jr; mother Edna (Jesse) Statham; sisters, Tamorra Frasier and Stephanie (Jewel) Frasier, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Visitation:Wednesday, May 27th from 12:00 to 7:00 P.M. with social distancing at Braman Mortuary – 72 St. Chapel Celebration of Life service: Private Family Service