James Leroy Johnson (Bushead) was born fifth of nine children to the late Willie and Massie McConnell Johnson in Knoxville, Tennessee on January 28, 1937, departed his earthly home peacefully on September 13, 2026.

His brothers – Clarence, Thomas, Walter and Larry and sisters, Nellie Hornsby, Druscilla Scott, Barbara Wimberly Johnson preceded him in death.

He attended Maynard Elementary school, Beardsley Junior high and graduated from Austin High school in 1956 in Knoxville Tennessee. He played basketball in junior and senior high school and in the U. S. Air Force. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1957, trained in San Antonio, Texas, and was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, an area that he spoke of very fondly when sharing his experiences.

James married his love, Pearl Norvesta Moore on November 23, 1961, in Knoxville, TN on Thanksgiving Day and moved to Cleveland, Ohio the next day. His favorite story was how saw her at a basketball game and said he was going to marry her. (Really) His nickname for her after marriage was “Pete” (No one knows where he got that name from)

But once the children came along, he always called her “Mommie” something he copied from her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Joe Proctor. Born to this union were two daughters, Cylandra and Jamesena.

James loved his family and loved to take his daughters camping and loved to share new and different experiences with them. He always encouraged them to do their best. He would take them on short trips and taught them how to read a map. Every moment was a teaching moment. Every outing was part of their education. He did the same with his grandchildren.

James worked at Sears on Euclid Ave. and then later was employed at the US Post Office where he served in many positions, but his primary role was as a postal clerk. He was known as “J.J” who helped train many new employees. He also worked on the mail trains between Buffalo and Chicago. He worked part-time as a Security guard in several Cleveland Metropolitan schools (Collinwood, Glenville and other schools). He loved talking to and mentoring the students and developed many lasting friendships with the staff. James believed in working.

He would always say “you gotta work and get the money while you can”.

He retired on June 1, 2001, from the post office to take care of his first granddaughter (Trinity) and spent his time babysitting his granddaughters. He always said, “I do not want anyone else’s fingerprints on My babies”. You might have seen him just sitting at the bus stop with them, in the park, or on the rapid transit for a trip downtown to Tower city. He loved showing them new and different things and showing them off. He loved those grands. He loved his motorcycle too but had to give it up after Trinity was born (Yes, he had her on the back of the bike for a short ride).

James joined Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the late Rev. E. L. Rogers. He was always available to help around the church and as a driver to assist with the walkathon if needed.

His favorite saying when asked how he was doing, was “I got up this morning”.

He believed that his goal was to be nice to everyone and to help everybody that he could. “If you ask anyone who he helped to train” at the Post Office, they would always say how much they learned from him, what a good teacher and nice guy he was.

James was a loving, caring husband, father, grandfather and friend. Everyone who knew him especially his grandchildren, were blessed with his wisdom. He loved his lawn, one of the prettiest lawns on the street and everyone knew Mr. Johnson on the corner.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of almost 65 years, Pearl Norvesta Johnson. Daughters Cylandra Allen (Mark), Jamesena, Clarice Mentor, Ohio; sister Wilma Sartor, Ohio; sister-in-law, Luretta Johnson, Knoxville, TN; Grandchildren- Trinity, Nighyah, Genesis Carthen and Shannon Richardson Jr., Marie (Andrew) & Carissa (Jelani) of Cleveland, Ohio; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, many close friends, class of 56 friends, Elmer (Shirley) Carter, neighbors- Mark & Peggy Triggs, Postal friends James & Mary Mims who called, visited and prayed with him often and longtime friends, James and Viola Catledge.

Our thanks to the staff and caregivers of Elara Caring (Dawn, Shaunda, Samantha), The Cleveland Clinic home care team, and Cornerstone (Tatiana, Tiana and Danielle), you are part of our family. Thanks for the special care you gave James.