James Johnson

James “Jim” K. Johnson went to be with the Lord Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the age of 80.

He was born Nov. 16, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late James Monroe Johnson and Charlotte Johnson Bryant. He was a 1961 graduate of Dexter High School after moving to Dexter from Caruthersville, Missouri his senior year.

He was united in marriage to Glenda Simpson June 29, 1965, and they recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

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He honorably served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. During this time, he was awarded the National Defense Service medal, noted as a Marksman (Rifle) and received the parachutist badge (“jump school”) while serving in a medical battalion as a supply sergeant in Germany.

Jim was a bricklayer by trade, known for his very precise handiwork throughout the Southeast Missouri area. He was especially proud of his work on the Twin Towers in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was a lifelong, self-employed farmer and enjoyed baling hay for friends and neighbors until the last couple of years when his health declined. Many friendships were made over the years at the Johnson Family Strawberry Farm.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda, of the family home in Dexter; three daughters, LaDonna Beers (Sugar Land, Texas), Trinka Adkisson (Dave) (Charleston, Missouri), Charlotte Smith (Daniel) (Jackson, Missouri); his pride and joy grandchildren, Morgan Gates (Jeff), Haley Garcia, Nolan Smith, Nicolas Smith, and Nathan Smith; two great-grandchildren, Sage and Hudson; his sister, Doris Johnson of Dexter, Missouri; and other family members. He will be missed by his frisky farm cats.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and step-father, Berbage Bryant.

To honor his wishes there will be no public memorial service.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter assisted with arrangements.