James Lee Johnson was born on December 23, 1955 in Brookhaven, Mississippi to Mary Kelly-Johnson-Brown, and Robert Dale Johnson, Sr. Mary was a God-fearing woman. His father, Robert, worked for the railroad. Mary and Robert divorced, and James was raised by his stepfather, John D. Brown. His stepfather, John, worked at Motor Wheel Factory in Lansing, Michigan until his retirement. James was the eldest child born of Mary and Robert, Robert Dale Johnson, Jr. then joined the union. James also had half-siblings from his mother: Jimmy Magee, Johnny Dale Brown, and Mary Johnson; and a half-sister from his father: Sarah L. (Ronald) Kelley.

James remained in Brookhaven, Mississippi until he was nine years old. His family then relocated to Lansing, Michigan, where he attended Main St. Elementary, West Junior High, Eastern High School and Job Corp Military School, receiving training in off-set printing. Continuing in 1972, James chose to live with his sister, Sarah, in Gary, Indiana, where he attended Martin Luther King Academy, and received his High School Certification.

As James was seeking his identity as an adult, he often moved from place to place. Upon returning to Lansing, Michigan he met the love of his life in 1982, Beatrice T. (Gardiner). James and Beatrice got married in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. Born from their union was, Beatrice Mary Johnson in 1987, his only child.

As a family, James and Beatrice moved to Atlanta, Georgia, joined by James's stepdaughter, Yvonne. The family then returned to Lansing, Michigan.

James was a loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, stepfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He enjoyed reading the Bible, studying Black History, and being there for his family and anyone else who needed him.

James Lee Johnson made his transition from earth to Heaven on March 4, 2025 at his home in Lansing, Michigan that he had lived in for 29 years.

James was preceded in death by: his parents, Mary and Robert Dale Johnson; and step-father, John D. Brown. He is survived by: wife, Beatrice T. Johnson; daughter, Beatrice; stepdaughters, Yvonne and Brenda; sisters, Sarah (Ronald) Kelley and Mary Johnson; brothers, Robert Dale Johnson, Jr., Jimmy Magee, Johnny Dale Brown; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Arrangements for Mr. Johnson are as follows: