OBITUARIES James L. Johnson

James Lee Johnson, 65, of Hot Springs, Ark., passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023.

He was born March 8, 1958, to Lovlell Allen and Kattie Johnson.

James is preceded in death by his dad, Eddie Lockridge, Bobby Lockridge and Amerlean (Hannah) Gant.

James was a graduate of Hot Springs High School in 1978. After high school, he met his partner for life, Sharon. For many years he worked at The Velda Rose (22 years) and Piggly Wiggly (13 years). He had an avid love for cats and dogs. His favorite teams were Minnesota Vikings and Razorbacks. If you knew him, you knew he was always watching “Gunsmoke” and always telling jokes. He never met a stranger.

James is survived by his partner of 40 years, Sharon Harper of Hot Springs, Ark.; his daughter, Tekia Brown, and his son, Coleman (Kim) Harper Jr.; grandchildren, Calvin Buttler, William Jones, Josiah Jones, Alexandria Bryant and Coleman Harper III. His mom, Kattie Johnson of Hot Springs, Ark. His siblings, Daisey Johnson of Hot Springs, Ark., Riley (Linda) Lockridge, Kansas City, Kan., Betty Fair of Hot Springs, Ark., and Willie B. (Sammie) Smith of Hot Springs, Ark. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25, 2023. The celebration of his life will begin at noon at St. Mark Baptist Church, 542 Crescent Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901, with Pastor Donald Crossley officiating.

The guest registry is at http:// www.carriganmemorial.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.