James Michael Johnson Sr.'s Obituary
Rockport, TexasJames Michael “Mike” Johnson Sr. passed away on December 23, 2017 at the Christus St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, Louisiana, following years of struggle with heart disease.He leaves behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Brenda Johnson, his sons, James Michael “Mike” Johnson Jr., Matthew Wayne Johnson, Allan Moore Jr., Allac Moore, and his daughter Ashallan Moore Simon. Mike had five grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild, all of whom were the most important part of his later years. They are Michael Ryan Johnson, Raegan Nicole Johnson, Brennan Allan Moore, Blakely Grace Simon, Asher Edward Moore and McKenna Grace Johnson-Robinson.Mike was born in Dallas, Texas on July 12, 1944 to Hiram Barker Johnson and Wilda Robinson Johnson, who also preceded him in death. Mike is survived by his brother, Milton Robinson, and was preceded in death by his brother Hiram Barker “Chip” Johnson Watson, and sister Betsy Johnson. He is survived by many nieces and nephews, from his siblings’ families.In his early years, Mike was a star athlete for South Oakcliff ISD, excelling at football and baseball. He was a known jokester in his circle, known for mischief, and a sense of humor that kept people laughing. Mike inherited this personality from his dad, Hiram, and carried that forward throughout his life.Mike married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Gibbs, on April 6, 1963. Mike and Mary Ann started their lives and family in that same South Oakcliff neighborhood they grew up in. Mike was attending the University of Texas at Arlington during those early years, but the birth of their first son took precedence over that dream, and Mike joined the Dallas Fire Department on October 1, 1966. Mike’s beloved father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Gibbs was a DFD veteran at the time, so it was a proud moment in Mike’s life. There is other deep family history with DFD that bares mentioning; Mike’s mother, Wilda Robinson Johnson, was married to a veteran Dallas fireman, Roy Albert Robinson, who died of cancer at the age of 30, prior to marrying Hiram Johnson. The history, and pride, ran deep indeed. Mike worked for DFD for 22 years, retiring in May of 1988.Mike began the second season of his life by finishing his degree and getting a secondary education certificate to teach and coach, which had always been his first love. Mike coached and taught for the Big Sandy ISD, and for the Rockport-Fulton ISD, where he retired again after 10 years in education. Mike finished his working life, including right up until his passing, by being an “all claims insurance adjuster”. Mike worked on Hurricane Harvey, which devastated his own community of Rockport, Texas. Mike was not well, but wanted to try to help those that suffered from the devastating loss from that storm.Mike will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He left an indelible mark on everyone he loved, and most everyone that knew him. He was a devoted husband, father, brother and friend. God speed Mike – until we see you again.“Mikeboy”The family will receive visitors on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. There will be a funeral service on Saturday, December 30, 2017 at 10:00AM in The Wildwood Chapel at Restland Funeral Home.
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