James Johnson

James E. Johnson, 80, of Zion, died on Thursday, October 26, 2006 at Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois. James was born August 4, 1926 in Brazil, Indiana to the late Lee Ernest Johnson and Mary Watkins Johnson. He attended Brazil High in Brazil, Indiana. He was recognized as outstanding athlete in track and basketball from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois after having served with the United States Air Force for 3 years. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University with his Bachelor's Degree in 1952 and received his Masters Degree from New York University where he also worked toward his Ph.D. Jim taught and coached for 18 years in the New York City Schools. He returned to Eastern in 1970 to assume the post of Assistant Dean of Student Personnel, a post he held for 21 years until his retirement in 1991. James was an active member of the Charleston Kiwanis Club, Charleston Country Club, EI Club, Charleston area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Eastern Alumni Association, Wesley Methodist Church of Charleston and Memorial United Methodist Church of Zion, Illinois. Some of his memorable accomplishments were being elected to the Eastern Illinois Minority Hall of Fame, EIU Athletic Hall of Fame, EIU Black Alumni Hall of Fame and being a member of the 1949-1952 EIU Men's Basketball Team who were inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife whom he married on October 26, 1948, Lelia Ross Johnson; children James F. (Shelly) Johnson of El Paso, Texas, Nancy Johnson of Zion and George (Hilary) Johnson of Plano, Texas; grandchildren Christopher, James Michael, Jared, Nicholas, Joel, Lelia, Marquis, Frankie, Isaiah and Katrina; great-grandchild Caden Johnson; two sisters Marie Williams and Laura Murdolo both of Indianapolis, Indiana; one brother Theodore Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by two sisters Lillian Green and Elsie Johnson both of Indianapolis, Indiana. Visitation will be Monday, October 30, 2006, from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 2935 Sheridan Road, Zion. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 30th, at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Cheryl Esbrook officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Eastern Illinois University Athletic Department has been suggested. CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, Zion, is serving the family.