James Ross Johnson

James Ross Johnson, age 60, a resident of Brownsville, TN, departed this life on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the Haywood Community Hospital.  James was born on November 11, 1963, in Selmer, TN to Ross Alton Johnson and Betty Ann Gray Johnson. 

James loved big trucks and old cars. He retired as a truck driver. He loved riding the back roads and seeing the scenic countryside.  He was one who had a big heart and one who loved to talk. He will long be remembered as one who was always willing to help others, even if it seemed he was unable to do so. He loved his daughter and his grandchildren. He was proud of them and considered it a blessing when they would spend time together. 

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Smith (Curtis) of Bartlett, TN; two brothers, Tommie Johnson (Kathy) of Brownsville, TN and John Johnson of Luray, TN; two sisters, Cindy Johnson of Brownsville, TN and Cathy Sleptz (ZZ) of Brownsville, TN.  He leaves behind his five grandchildren, Dominic Bryan Ross Smith, Jaxon Elijah Smith, Cooper Liam Smith, Maggie JoyceAnn Smith, and Jasmine Annaleigh Elrod. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross Alton Johnson and Betty Ann Gray Johnson; maternal grandparents, J.P. and Mary Lou Gray; paternal grandfather, Tommie Lee Johnson, and paternal grandmother, Justine Basham; one brother, Robert Johnson; and one sister, Connie Sills.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN. 

                                                                         Psalm 23 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  I will fear no evil; For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.