James Alan Johnson passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family as he took his last breaths on his way to his new home, finally free of pain. We are sad for his loss but rejoice in his freedom and release.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Betty B. Johnson; father, E. Dennis Johnson and beloved brother, Michael W. Johnson.

He is survived by his son, David B. Johnson, wife Andre and their children: Hannah, Maverick and Levi of Summerville, SC; mother, Helen V. Johnson of Garner, NC; sisters, Carol L. Ellington and Elizabeth A. Murphy, both of Raleigh; sister-in-law, Karen Childress Johnson of Oxford; numerous nieces and nephews; his dear friend Blanca del Carmen Calderon; David’s mother, Cindy Reinert Wallhauser; and his beloved cousin Keith Johnson, Jr. of Orlando, FL.

Known to most as Jim, he was born on December 17, 1957 at Edwards Air Force Base hospital in California. As part of a military family, he lived in many places; and, upon his father’s retirement from the Air Force, settled in North Carolina where Jim graduated from Garner Senior High School in 1976.

Jim’s lifelong curiosity, love of learning, versatility, intellectual pursuits, diverse skills, and quiet, unassuming approach to life served him well in all that he accomplished. At age 17, he began his life-long career in the restaurant and hospitality industry. His incredible work ethic, attention to detail and willingness to learn soon propelled him into management and training with Darryl’s restaurants. His mentor, Thad Eure, Jr., had a deep and profound impact on Jim as he developed his skills for operations as Darryl’s opened new stores across the Southeast.

Jim was at heart an entrepreneur and wanted to be the owner of his own business. He invested his skills by opening his first restaurant in Creedmoor, NC, where he learned that owning and running a restaurant as an independent is not easy. After closing the restaurant, he went to work for Greenfield’s Restaurant in Durham, where he met his wife, Betty, who was a co-owner. They worked on the catering side of the business; and, before the restaurant was sold, pulled the catering business and began to build it up independently. They worked in catering for over 18 years, along with selling antiques – a passion Jim maintained all his life.

Jim loved being outside and always had a garden and fished and hunted whenever he could. His love of the outdoors led him to opening his own lawn care business alongside the catering business. He was always up before the rooster crowed and back home as twilight settled. He and Betty enjoyed their evenings watching old movies and TV shows, sports and reading. Jim loved old country music, classic rock and roll, the blues, Louis L’Amour and Robert Ruark novels, and was a diehard UNC Tarheel fan.

Another passion was helping people. He always said, “Feed a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Jim did both. He shared with those in need, from a bag of groceries to a fully cooked meal for a family. He taught his employees and others skills they could use for a lifetime and transfer to other areas of their lives. He was also a regular blood and plasma donor for decades.

Jim’s passion for helping people led him to involvement with Oxford Houses of North Carolina. He lived with and mentored other men who found themselves in his orbit. He quickly became the ‘go to’ person for Oxford Houses in Wake County and worked closely with Lynn Williams, helping with management and leadership. He also began working part time at Chick-Fil-A where he met his dear friend, Blanca. True to form, Jim mentored Blanca at work during the last 5 years as he battled cancer. In turn, she would help him and was a precious presence in his daily life as they shared a great friendship.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Hudson Funeral Home, 211 S. Miami Blvd., Durham, NC 27703 on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00, funeral services from 11:00 – 12:00 with burial following at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family welcomes all who knew Jim to attend. A favorite memory can be shared at the service or online.

The family is deeply thankful for all of Jim’s medical team, caregivers and the compassionate team at Transitions Lifecare Hospice House.

In support of Jim’s passion for helping people, donations can be made to Oxford Houses of NC at https://www.oxfordhouse.org/donations#donate or a check can be mailed to Oxford House Oak City c/o Oxford House, Inc. at 9016 Mustard Seed Lane, Garner, NC 27529. Donations can also be made to Transitions Lifecare Hospice House at https://www.transitionslifecare.org/donate/ .