James Franklin Johnson, of Burlington, passed away peacefully in his home on August 25th, 2025.
Born on October 28th, 1934, he was the youngest of five children of Thomas Fillmore and Edna Ritchie Johnson. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings Helen Kennedy, Dot Green, Tom Johnson, and Bob Johnson.
Known by friends and family as Jim, Big Jim, or Daddy Jim, he grew up in Thomasville, North Carolina, where in high school he was a three sport varsity athlete and member of the National Honor Society. He received his undergraduate degree from the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a brother in the Lamda Chi fraternity. Serving in the United States Army from 1954 until 1956, he earned an honorable discharge as a Specialist. He often marveled that he was selected above his peers to courier secret messages between various Army commands in Germany, where he was stationed. After management roles at Burlington Industries, Isley Knitting Mills, and Guilford College, Jim spent most of his career working for Elon University as Director of Administrative Services, taking great pride in the many campus buildings whose construction he oversaw. Following his retirement, Elon kept him busy part-time compiling historical records of the university.
A longtime member of Alamance Country Club, Jim enjoyed golf, bridge, and countless dances and dinners with his wife, Alliene, and friends. He was as happy with a peanut butter and banana sandwich as he was with a USDA prime steak with a side of potatoes and a Dewar’s on the rocks. Until his last day, he remained active and engaged in his routines: visiting Alliene, showing up to the Country Club fitness center in his khakis and loafers for his workout, enjoying breakfasts with his dear friend Bill Pinson, and talking with his loving family. He maintained a lifelong Christian faith, keeping a well-worn bible by his favorite recliner and attending Front Street Methodist Church whenever he was able.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Ava Alliene Johnson; his son James “Jim” Johnson Jr. and partner Tracey Mikuta; his grandson Michael Johnson and wife Kelsey Johnson; his granddaughter Rachel Johnson and partner Ethan Butler; his great granddaughter Ava Johnson; nine nieces and nephews; and many close friends.
A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at 2 P.M. in the May-Foley chapel at the Coble Creek Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center at the Twin Lakes Community, 3815 Wade Coble Dr, Burlington, NC 27215. The family will receive friends at 3:30PM following the service at Alamance Country Club. The family extends special thanks to Stan Andrews, who helped Jim in countless ways to enable his independence, and to the staff at Twin Lakes, whom Jim appreciated deeply for the care they give to “his girl” Alliene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorial contributions be made to Jim’s favorite charity, the Methodist Home for Children, at https://www.mhfc.org/give/.
