James Stuart Johnson

Jim Johnson, age 62, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, September 7, 2015. He passed away at home surrounded by loved ones. Jim was born in Johnson City, TN. He worked for The Otis Spunkmeyer Company as the Center Manager of the Knoxville Branch. He also worked as a Sales Manager with the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. He married the love of his life, Judy Rayfield in 1986, and soon after the couple relocated to Charleston, SC. Jim and Judy returned to East Tennessee in 1988 and in 1990, their daughter, Kayla, came to live with them in Knoxville. They made the move to Maryville in 1995 and their daughter, Jordan, was born that same year. Jim was known to have great love for Jesus, his family, and coaching the game of basketball. He began coaching Kayla's AAU team, the Blount Stars, in 1994. Jim was an Assistant Coach with the Heritage Lady Mountaineers from 2010-14, and also coached Maryville Biddy League, The Blount Bullets, and Heritage Middle School 6th grade Fall Teams. Jim certainly had a passion for basketball, but his greater passion was simply spending time with his family and players and sharing in their lives, especially with Kayla and Jordan. Jim courageously battled four occurrences of cancer. He underwent a Stem Cell Transplant when it was deemed his only chance at long term survival. The procedure was successful. However, in 2009, Jim was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure as a result of the Stem Cell Treatment. He was told at that time that his heart only functioned at a capacity of 17% and was not likely to improve. Once again, Jim continued his fight and was powered by faith. He outlived every medical professional's prediction and touched countless lives in the process. Jim loved the Lord with all of his heart and trusted in Jesus as his savior and redeemer. He shared his love for Jesus with his words and the way he lived his life and he was a blessing to all who knew him. Jim Johnson was preceded in death by his parents, James Johnson and Evadna "Bibi" Johnson. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend survived by: his wife, Judy Johnson; daughters Jordan Johnson and Kayla Stalcup and son-in-law Samuel Stalcup III; Grandchildren MaKaylee, Ashlyn, Kynlee & Paxson Stalcup; Brothers and Sisters-in-law Gerri & Tommy Brown, Janice & John Sterling, Delores & Ronnie Whaley, Buddy & Glenda Rayfield; cousins Robin & Eddie Skeen, Mike Squibb, Pete Squibb; nieces & nephews Jessie Sterling, Carrie & Brad Wicks, Marty Whaley, Kevin & Holly Brown, Chad & Tiffany Rayfield, Brittany & Matt Trull and Tommy Bright. On Sunday, September 20, 2015 at 2:30 pm, at First Baptist Church of Maryville, there will be a Celebration of Life in the sanctuary to honor Jim followed by fellowship in The Family Life Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund established for Jordan. Donations may be sent to: Jordan Johnson College Fund, C/O Renasant Bank, 329 E. Broadway Ave., Maryville, TN 37804. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Stuart Johnson please visit our Sympathy Store.