James Edward Johnson, fondly known as Jeff, was born in Irondale, Alabama on July 31,1934.  He departed this life on Thursday, May 1, 2025, following a brief illness.

Although he was born in Ironton, Alabama, at an early age he and his family relocated to West Virginia and then later they moved to Cleveland, Ohio.  He attended Cleveland Public Schools.  However, family circumstances forced him to leave school in the 9th grade to help his mom and provide for the family.  It was at that time he entered the restaurant industry which he grew to love.

Jeff waited tables in many high-end restaurants in Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs.  He loved interacting with people and made many lifelong friends along the way.  He eventually worked his way up to the coveted maître’d position at some of the top restaurants in the city.  This is where his passion for fine cuisine and dining evolved.  Later, to provide more stability for his family, Jeff went to work at NACCO Industries and retired from that company after 30 years of service.  However, he never lost his passion for fine dining and through the years periodically continued to work “gigs” on weekends and holidays doing private parties.

Jeff was an avid boxing fan.  His all-time favorite was Muhammad Ali.  He often referred to himself as “The Champ”.  He loved the outdoors and the water.  He absolutely loved fishing and went on annual fishing trips with friends. He was committed to exercise, particularly swimming and jogging.  He continued both well into his 70’s.  He also loved cooking gourmet meals at home.  The meal would always be delicious, but the kitchen would look like a disaster area afterwards.  He left the clean up task to the folks he fed.

Jeff believed in family and was committed to instilling appreciation and pride for Black culture.  This included many cultural references in the home, exposing the family to cultural experiences and many lectures on the topic.

He was a great dad and granddad who stressed the importance of education and providing a legacy.  He made sure that for every holiday and birthday along with a toy or favorite item, he gave savings bonds earmarked for education. Because of his contributions and commitment, there are two generations of college graduates including one Master’s degree, two PhD’s, one MD and a third generation of grandchildren pursuing college degrees continuing the legacy.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Zelia Acy (Lawrence) and LM Johnson, daughter Felicia Stokes, brother Walter Johnson, former wife Hortense Johnson and his long-time devoted companion Rosetta Smith.

He leaves to mourn his passing his children Tara Johnson Lamont, Lisa Johnson Taylor (Michael), Michelle (Mitzi) Saafir (Alvin), Jeffrey Johnson and Ricky Stokes (Annette), grandchildren Dr. Brittani Saafir-Callaway (Everette), Dr. Amirah Saafir, Dr. Aaliyah Saafir, Tori Lamont, Mia Taylor, Michael Taylor, Mwesi Stokes and Isaac Stokes, great grandchildren Winter Callaway, Harper and Hayden Hudson.  He also leaves to mourn his passing a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives, his former wife Beverly Johnson as well as dear friends and long-time neighbors Willie and Patsy Gamble.