The following is the obituary sent by Mate James’ Family.
CLINTON – James Kenneth Johnson, Sr., 81, a resident of Clinton, MS, passed away August 26th, 2023, peacefully at his home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Joyce Johnson, his parents Narce Johnson and Mavis Johnson, his sister Georgia Johnson and his brother Fred Johnson.
He is survived by his sons Jamie Johnson of Brandon, MS, Kevin Johnson (Kim) of Brandon, MS and Jeffrey Johnson (Sara) of Flowood, MS and his 9 grandkids: Morgan Johnson, Kyler Johnson, Kaitlyn Johnson, Brady Johnson, Keaton Johnson, Brayden Johnson, Landon Johnson, Kinsley Johnson and Jake Johnson. He is also survived by his brothers Bill Johnson (Dianne) of Los Angeles, CA and Bobby Johnson (Robin) of Hewitt, TX.
Ken graduated from Clinton High School in 1961 where he played football and baseball and was involved in many school activities. He received a football scholarship from Hinds Jr. College where he played for legendary Coach Joe Renfroe. It was at Hinds where he met the love of his life, Joyce Johnson. He has told many “true stories” about Coach Joe and his playing days at Hinds.
Mr. Johnson loved his grandkids very much and spending time with them. He enjoyed watching his three sons and his grandsons play football and baseball through the years. He joked that he has watched 5,342 baseball games in his life. He enjoyed playing golf, watching sports and FOX News.
J. Ken Johnson, CLU has been in the life and health insurance industry for 50 years. He has extensive experience and knowledge of the products they offer as well as expertise on how to use those products to provide maximum benefit and protection to their clients.
He entered the life insurance business as a career agent in 1963 with John Hancock Life Insurance Company in Jackson, MS. He has a long and distinguished career within the life insurance industry as a Vice President, Regional Vice President, Regional Director, Agency Manager and a General Agent with several insurance companies.
Mr. Johnson has been very active in his community. He has been honored many times for his work with youth & sports on the national, state and locally with the Clinton, MS community. He has attended numerous seminars and has spoken to many groups during his career.
He has received many honors. Mr. Johnson was honored as Mississippi’s Outstanding Young Man for his leadership within his community at a very young age. In addition, he was honored as Clinton’s Outstanding Young Man. He has been on the boards of directors of state and local businesses. He has also coached youth sports groups, and served on boards of directors of schools, parks and recreation associations and as a state supported school board trustee.
Mr. Johnson served as an elected Vice President of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees). As a National Officer, he represented his state traveling extensively on the national level (U.S.) and with the Jaycees International (World) organization. He was president of the Mississippi Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) being elected as the youngest in the history of those organizations.
Mr. Johnson has been active in politics being a former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in a 1978 election to succeed Senator Thad Cochran for his House Post. He also ran for Mississippi State Senate in the early 1970’s.