James Arnold Johnson departed on March 29, 2022 at 12:11 PM in Jacksonville, Florida. He is received into the arms of those who preceded him in death including his late-wife Patricia Ann Holliday Johnson, mother Evelyn Addie Nettles, father James Everett Johnson, brother John Wayne Johnson, brother Raymond Emmett Johnson, sister Patricia Ann (Wooten) Smith, and countless friends and family.

James (Snuffy) was born to Evelyn Nettles and James Johnson on May 30, 1948, in Walterboro, South Carolina. He grew up without the privilege of money but did have a wealth of experience afforded by driving a mule and plow when he was young. His spare time was spent in the rivers, streams, and muddy coastland ranging from Colleton County, South Carolina to Glynn County, Georgia. He gained an early reputation for being a wild one - Snuffy was fond of dropping frogs in a bucket-drawn well or hiding them in his grandmother's wash basins. Many stories and antics from his childhood abound including an incident where he once burned down "half the county" during a drought to deter wild hogs and rattlesnakes hanging around his bus stop.

James grew up mostly in Glynn County and graduated in 1966 from Glynn Academy. His teenage and early adulthood were spent working a variety of jobs and riding a motorcycle around town. His wilder side became subdued after he married Patricia Ann Holliday at a courthouse in Ridgeline, South Carolina on May 18, 1968. They had four children: Wayne Everett Johnson, Cathy Ann Shell (Scott), Rebecca Lynn Johnson, and William Joshua Johnson (Kathryn). James and Patricia shared 52 years of adventure and marriage until her death.

He joined the United States Army in 1970 to 1975 attaining the rank of Sergeant and among other decorations he was notably awarded the Excellence in "Competition Badge - Pistol" while serving in the 548th Engineering Battalion. During his military career he served several years in Germany near Schwabach.

James returned to Brunswick Georgia after his service and established a shrimping enterprise captaining the fishing vessels known as the FV Scotch, FV Dragon Lady, and FV Bayou. He moved on from shrimping and worked as a Master Truck Mechanic, and ran his own business for over 35 years, until his death. He enjoyed storytelling, reading, and learning. He was an extraordinary friend to wayward souls and troubled people - he saw potential in everyone and extended kindness to a fault. He was gifted in gardening, tinkering, and caring for animals. He was a fantastic fisherman and teller of fishing tales.

James was a devotee of Christ and served as deacon at Glyndale Baptist Church. He ensured his family were raised within a church home and also served the church with his whole being. Shortly after the death of his first wife, he married Wanda Ferguson Johnson, a member of Glyndale Baptist Church and classmate from Glynn Academy, on September 25, 2021. Wanda's companionship lifted his spirits during his dark days, and they shared many good meals and travels.

He is survived and sorely missed by brother Woodrow Jackson Crosby, sister Lavada Susann (Susie) Cross, sister Elizabeth Josephine (Betty Jo) Horne, sister JoAnn (Joy) Johnson Ayala, all of his children, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends will also miss him.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 4, 2022, 11:00 am at Glyndale Baptist Church. A visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time. A private burial will be held at Glennville National Cemetery.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.