Obituary of James Johnson

James Maxwell Johnson,91, passed away June 29,2008. He was born in1917 in Providence, Kentucky as one of seven children to Caroline and Nathan Johnson. He was a graduate of Marshall University where he received his Bachelor's degree. He received his Masters degree from the University of Florida and loved his "Gators"! James proudly served his country during WWII as a lieutenant in the United States Navy on the USS Charles Carroll. Upon retiring form the Navy he began his 35 year career as a respected Duval County educator. He was principal of Dinsmore Elementary, Ramona Elementary, and Paxon Junior High and served as Director of Secondary Education until his retirement in 1976. He had a love of education and worked hard in the community as a pioneer in the concept of skill centers to afford education to all. James was preceded in death by his young wife, Margaret Cargnino Johnson, in 1945. He was married to Hazel Effler Johnson for 56 years before her death in 2003. He is predeceased by his mother and father, his brothers, Morris Johnson, Doris Johnson, Shelby Johnson, Hermus Johnson, and Raymond Johnson and a sister Doretha Bosco. He is survived by his daughter Barbara (Bobi) McGinnis and her husband Fred; grandchildren:James Paul Edge and his wife Donna, Glenda Marie Dickinson and Heather Lee Edge; great-grand children: Hannah Dickinson, Madison Dickinson, Caitlin Dickinson, Diana Edge, James Edge, and many nieces and nephews. He was the heart of his loving family and was adored by all who knew him. A celebration of James' life will be held Thursday, July 3, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Arlington Park Funeral Home In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made to Hospice of Northeast Florida in memory of James and Hazel Johnson.