James Lawrence “Nig” Johnson, age 79, of Grayson, KY, went to be with his Lord on Monday, November 26th, 2007 at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. He was born January 11th, 1928 in Grayson, KY , a son of the late Virgil and Allie Suttles Johnson. He was the president of Johnson and Goebel Development and partner in Johnson & Johnson Enterprise. He was a member of the BagbyMethodistChurch , a WWII Navy Veteran, a 50 year member of Grayson Trimble Lodge # 145, a Ky. Colonel, a licensed plumber and electrician, James also was a recipient of the Business Person of the Year by the Grayson Chamber of Commerce. James started at Grayson RECC back in the early 1950’s, even wiring homes in the evenings. He later partnered with Arthur Huff and they developed Green Acres in 1958, also Green Meadows, East Grayson Subdivision, Valley View Subdivision and others. Around 1978, James and John Goebel partnered and was instrumental in Commercial development along I-64 and Carol Malone Blvd. They also developed Lynnwood Estates, Cherry Grove and Horton Farm Estates and several other projects that were still in development. Preceding James in death was a son, Christopher Mark Johnson; 2 brothers, Earl Johnson and Billy Watts Johnson and 2 sisters, Mabel Kirkendoll and Louise McDavid. James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. As proud as he was with his partnerships and business developments, he was more proud of his family and the time spent with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones. His survivors include: His wife of 57 years, Helen Mullins Johnson of Grayson; 1 daughter, Brenda (and Murv) Combs of Cape Coral, FL; 1 son, J. Michael (and Marianne) Johnson of Grayson; 4 brothers, Ralph Johnson of San Francisco, CA , Paul Johnson of Grayson, Virgil Johnson Jr. of Tulane, New Mexico and Harold Johnson of Grayson; 3 sisters, Mary Blevins of Grayson, Maxine Large of Outer Banks, NC and Kathy Diersky of Virginia ; 2 grandchildren, Jenna (and Scott) McGuire and Clay Johnson and 1 great-grandchild, Colton Grey McGuire. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, November 30th, 2007 at 11:00am at Malone Funeral Home in Grayson with Brad Smart and John Goebel, ministers. Burial will be in the East Carter County Memory Gardens . Visitation will be held Thursday evening, November 29th, from 5:00 to 9:00pm and Friday after 11:00am at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Community Hospice 1538 Central Avenue Ashland, KY41101 . Condolences can be made to the Johnson family at www.malonefuneralhome.com
Submitted by: Linda Cheeks Pittano
Send questions and comments to John Grace
Kentucky GenWeb project