James Johnson

James Bird Johnson, age 81, a resident of Lakeland, Florida and long time resident of Middlesboro, Kentucky passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Center on Tuesday December 24th.

He was born on May 30th, 1938 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, the son of late Helen Meeker Johnson and James Bird Johnson Jr.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Joyce Ann Miracle Johnson and his very special sister in law Patricia Gail Whitt.

He was of Baptist faith and served his church as Deacon for several years. He was enlisted in the Navy and served our country for 4 years. He loved fishing, shooting, building things and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his children James (Allison) Johnson, Melinda (Bobby)Turba and his niece Rebecca (Lindy) Deloach. His grandchildren Morgan Johnson, Tony Turba, Robert Johnson, Andrea Drake, Austin Turba and Aleah Turba, as well as his great niece and nephew Brandi Deloach and Dylan Deloach and his 7 great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be January 4th at 11:00 am at Creech Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Greene presiding.

James will be laid to rest at the Johnson family cemetery following the service, with his grandsons and friends serving as pallbearers.  Full Military Honors will be given at the gravesite.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday January 3rd at Creech Funeral Home.

Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.creechfh.com

Creech Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.