James Lewis Johnson, 71, of Campbellsville, KY was born August 9, 1955 in Campbellsville to Bobby and Fannie Phillips Johnson. He peacefully departed this life at his home on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, surrounded by the love and memories of those who meant so much to him. 

James accepted Christ at an early age and faithfully served the Lord throughout his life. He was a devoted member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church in Campbellsville, Kentucky, where he served faithfully as a Deacon, drummer, and in many other capacities, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever there was a need. His faith was not simply something he spoke about—it was something he lived. Through his prayers, his singing, his service, and the love he showed others, James was a blessing to his church and community.

James received his education through Durham School and Campbellsville Independent Schools, where he was proud to participate on the high school football and track teams.

In 1973, James proudly answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army, serving until 1977. During his military service, he was stationed at Fort Knox and Fort Hood, Texas. Following his military service, James began working at Fruit of the Loom before beginning a long and dedicated career with Ingersoll Rand. He faithfully worked there for 41 years before retiring.

James was a man who knew how to enjoy life. He loved hunting, bowling, motorcycles, and racing his beloved bright yellow 1971 Mustang—a car he loved dearly and could never quite bring himself to part with. To James, some things were simply too special to let go.

One of the things James took great pride in was his home and yard. He loved getting on his lawnmower and making his yard look immaculate. When James mowed someone else’s yard, they often said they would never want anyone else to mow it again. He took pride in doing things the right way.

James especially loved being outdoors on his tractor, tending to his chores and working the open fields. Those moments were precious to him. Out in the fields, he could be found singing, praying, and praising God, enjoying the peace and beauty of the life he had been blessed to live.

In 1975, James traveled to Knifley, KY where he found the love of his life, Joyce Hendrickson. The two were united in marriage and shared 51 beautiful years together. Their marriage was built on love, commitment, family, and faith. James loved his family deeply, but his grandgirls held a particularly special place in his heart. He loved taking them on vacations, making memories with them, and simply being their Pawpaw. Those memories will remain treasured forever.

James will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, caring brother, faithful church member, loyal friend, and a man who loved God and his family with all his heart.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Johnson; his grandparents: George and Captolla Johnson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Asure and Vernetta Hendrickson; his step-grandmother, Mary Elizabeth Johnson; several aunts and uncles; and his niece, Scotlynn Sowell.

SURVIVORS:

His wife of 51 years: Joyce Hendrickson Johnson

1 son: Corey O’Neal Johnson

3 granddaughters: Kennedy Gabrielle Johnson and Timberlynn Oakley Johnson; and Regan Aubrey Johnson (whom he loved as if she were his own)

His mother: Fannie Johnson

1 brother: Gary Johnson

2 sisters: Cherita (Ivan) Barlow and Rhonda Johnson

2 nieces: Ivy (Eugene) Sowell and Madison Barlow

2 great-nephews: Dixon and Johnson Sowell

A host of other relatives, church family, friends & loved ones

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:00pmET at the Pleasant Union Baptist Church with Rev. Michael Caldwell and Rev. James Clayton officiating

Burial: Crown Hill Cemetery

Visitation: Beginning at 10:00amET on Saturday at the church

Hayes Brothers Funeral Home in Campbellsville, KY is in charge of the arrangements.